A Bold New Chapter for Hotaling & Co. Distillery and HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys
SAN FRANCISCO, March 13, 2025 – Hotaling & Co., the leading distiller and importer of artisanal spirits and cocktail essentials, proudly introduces The Departure, the first-ever American Single Malt Whiskey in its award-winning HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys portfolio.
This limited release (750ml; 49% ABV; $74.99 SRP) is also the first HIRSCH whiskey distilled entirely at Hotaling & Co.’s original San Francisco distillery. With only 1,350 bottles available, The Departure is launching in California (CA), Illinois (IL), Texas (TX), Louisiana (LA), and Colorado (CO) starting this month.
Honoring A.H. Hirsch’s Legacy with a New Vision
HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys pay tribute to A.H. Hirsch, whose legendary 1974 bourbon set the standard for exceptional American whiskey. The HIRSCH portfolio has since become known for sourcing top-tier whiskey from the finest distilleries—without being bound to a single location or mash bill.
The release of The Departure marks a major milestone for both HIRSCH and Hotaling & Co., as it is one of the final spirits crafted at the historic Potrero Hill distillery.
“The distillers at Hotaling & Co. had been wanting to work with barley malt for quite some time, and began development of the 100 percent barley malt whiskey that became HIRSCH’s The Departure in 2015,” said Bruce Joseph, Master Distiller Emeritus for Hotaling & Co. “This whiskey, an American Single Malt, drew heavily from our long history of distilling another 100% malt whiskey, Old Potrero Rye Whiskey.”
The Craft Behind HIRSCH The Departure
The Departure is crafted from 100% Maris Otter malted barley—a heritage grain from the UK, prized for its rich malty character.
- Distillation: Double distilled in small copper pot stills
- Aging: Six years, nine months in new char #3 and toasted American oak barrels
- Barrel Selection: 53-gallon American oak barrels, air-dried for 24 months for enhanced flavor
Tasting Notes – HIRSCH The Departure
✔️ Aroma: Caramel, grassy, grain
✔️ Palate: Sweet cereal, green tea, baking spice, fruit
✔️ Finish: Crisp cocoa nibs, lingering stone fruit
“Hirsch The Departure American Single Malt Whiskey marks a milestone for the HIRSCH brand, known primarily for bourbon,” said Kevin Aslan, Head Distiller for HIRSCH and Hotaling & Co. “This limited release is special for being one of the final spirits crafted at Hotaling & Co.’s original Potrero Hill distillery – a first for HIRSCH.”
The Rise of American Single Malt Whiskey
HIRSCH The Departure enters the market at a historic moment for American whiskey. In 2024, the U.S. government officially recognized American Single Malt Whiskey as a regulated category for the first time in over 52 years.
By following strict production standards, The Departure upholds the integrity of the American Single Malt category, one of the fastest-growing whiskey categories worldwide.
“This release reflects our ongoing pursuit of leading distillery partners to showcase the same craftsmanship and curation that A.H. Hirsch pioneered in his time,” Aslan added.
Where to Buy HIRSCH The Departure
📍 Available in: CA, IL, TX, LA, CO
🛒 Purchase online at: www.hirschwhiskey.com
📲 Follow on Instagram: @hirschwhiskey
About HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys
The A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16-Year-Old is widely regarded as one of the best American bourbons ever produced, even inspiring whiskey expert Chuck Cowdery to write The Best Bourbon You’ll Never Taste.
Today, HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys carry on this spirit of excellence, sourcing top-tier whiskey from premier distilleries to create a modern, transparent range of Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
🌎 Learn more: www.hirschwhiskey.com
About Hotaling & Co.
Founded in 1993, Hotaling & Co. is a San Francisco-based distiller and importer known for pioneering copper pot distillation in the U.S. The company is named after A.P. Hotaling, a Gold Rush-era spirits dealer and one of America’s most respected figures in drinking culture.
Hotaling & Co.’s Award-Winning Portfolio Includes:
🥃 Whiskeys: HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys, Nikka Whisky, Kavalan Whisky, Old Potrero Rye
🍸 Gin: Junipero Gin, Green Hat Gin
🥃 Cognac & Liqueurs: HINE Cognac, Luxardo Liqueurs & Cherries
🥃 Mezcal & Tequila: Convite Mezcal, Fiero Tequila
🥃 Irish & Scotch Whiskies: Writers’ Tears, Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair, Arran
📍 Explore the full portfolio at: www.HotalingandCo.com
