Celebrating Resilience Through Craft Distilling

San Francisco has long been known for its resilience and pioneering spirit, particularly evident in how the city has rebuilt itself after devastating earthquakes. This year, in honor of the 119th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake, local craft distiller Hotaling & Co. unveils its limited edition Old Potrero Hotaling’s Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey.

This special release, priced at $199 SRP, is presented in a unique commemorative box featuring a metal bottle topper. It will be available for pre-order on Old Potrero’s website and in select liquor retailers ahead of the April 18 anniversary.

Aged to Perfection

Crafted from 100% malted rye and distilled at Hotaling’s original Potrero Hill facility, the rye whiskey has been aged for 13 years in previously used American oak barrels. Each bottle contains a robust 50% ABV, with only 431 bottles produced this year. Notable flavor profiles include:

• Nose: Elegant hints of citrus, baking spices, and sandalwood.
• Palate: Sweet entry with soft stone fruit, peppercorn nuances, and creamy spice.
• Finish: Notes of orange flower water, delicate rye spice, and crisp black tea.

Kevin Aslan, Head Distiller at Hotaling, noted, “We loved the distinctive flavors of sandalwood, stone fruit, and orange flower water that were coming from these 13-year-old barrels.”

Understanding the ‘Bottled in Bond’ Designation

The term “bottled in bond” signifies that the whiskey adheres to strict standards established by the U.S. government. This includes being produced at a single distillery, aged for at least four years in a bonded warehouse, and bottled at a consistent 50% ABV.

A Glimpse Into History

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the subsequent fire resulted in the destruction of over 28,000 buildings, yet A.P. Hotaling’s whiskey warehouse endured, a testament to the fortitude within the spirits community. This survival led to an annual tradition of releasing a whiskey commemorating the city’s rebuilding efforts.

As poetically captured in a noted verse from that time, “If, as they say, God spanked the town / For being over frisky, / Why did He burn the churches down / And save Hotaling’s whiskey?”

About Hotaling & Co.

Hotaling & Co., formerly known as Anchor Distilling Company, proudly claims the title of San Francisco’s oldest distillery and the first U.S. producer of crafted copper pot-distilled whiskey post-Prohibition. Renamed in 2018, the company honors its storied legacy and the impactful history of A.P. Hotaling, an influential figure during the Gold Rush. It stands as a champion of artisanal spirit production, offering a diverse portfolio that includes celebrated brands such as Junipero Gin, Nikka Whisky, and many more.

For more information about Old Potrero and to explore the full range of offerings, visit OldPotrero.com and HotalingandCo.com.