The Lengthy-Awaited Return of an All-Time Okay&L Basic Rye
Previous Potrero 6 Yr Previous Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)
“It’s higher than ever, and rye lovers ought to take be aware—you’ll be laborious pressed to discover a higher rye whiskey being made anyplace.” — Andrew Whiteley, Okay&L Spirits Purchaser
Many a proverbial tear was shed in 2018 when the previous Anchor Distilling firm was bought by Hotaling & Co. and it was introduced that their hottest merchandise, the Previous Potrero Rye, can be discontinued. Little did we all know then, only some quick years later they might resurrect this insanely widespread whiskey to nice anticipation, and we’re thrilled to say they delivered in spades. In reality, it’s an unequivocally higher expression than the earlier renditions ever had been. Lengthy-time Anchor/Hotaling head distiller Bruce Joseph has actually nailed this one. At a six-year age assertion, it’s marvelously complicated, eminently approachable, but nonetheless its previous acquainted self. That’s to say, it’s nonetheless that beloved, traditional west coast rye that skyrockets off the QPR charts at beneath $60, which is likely to be essentially the most jaw-dropping characteristic of this stellar new launch. With all of the hype and keen enthusiasm surrounding it, Hotaling might have simply raised the worth via the roof. However as spirits purchaser Andrew Whiteley observes, “It’s a miracle that this whiskey didn’t take an enormous value improve with the relaunch.” Because it now stands, that is arguably one of the best rye purchase in our stock, and definitely essentially the most triumphant return of an previous Okay&L favourite that we’ve seen in a really very long time.
Previous Potrero 6 Yr Previous Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)
Andrew Whiteley | Okay&L Spirits Purchaser | Assessment Date: June 07, 2022
Hotaling—previously Anchor Distilling—has lastly relaunched the Previous Potrero Rye Whiskey, and it’s far and away one of the best it has ever been. In a slick new bundle, it now comes with a decent 6-year age assertion. It’s nonetheless 100% malted rye, a extremely uncommon mashbill that harkens again to the early days of American distilling and was revived by Fritz Maytag and Head Distiller Bruce Joseph when Anchor was based in 1993. In reality, Bruce nonetheless makes the whiskey right now, practically 30 years later. Add to that the extraordinarily high-quality barrel choice constituted of new, fine-grained American oak and getting older in SF’s distinctive local weather, and also you’ve acquired a real San Francisco unique with historical past, pedigree, and glorious taste. Insane cinnamon is certainly the primary be aware. It jumps out of the glass, shortly adopted by vanilla, butterscotch, and a contact of savor harking back to inexperienced tree bark. The nostril strikes seamlessly into toasted coconut and brown sugar. It’s an expansive survey of a traditional American oak profile. The rye itself jumps out subsequent; it’s candy, spicy, and a bit of yeasty. As you progress onto the palate, the whiskey could be very energetic. It’s richer than anticipated, particularly because the pour rests within the glass. You get chocolate (milk and darkish) mingled with coconut and mocha. Cracked pepper and freshly harvested alfalfa come to thoughts—it’s virtually shocking how current the rye character is given how candy the nostril and palate are. With a bit of little bit of water, a good sweeter profile emerges, significantly amping up the vanilla notes. Gloriously, it doesn’t ever lose the stiff rye spine. The aromatics open up even additional. Cinnamon provides nutmeg and allspice. Butterscotch morphs into caramel. The black pepper turns into extra rounded. The end is lengthy, clear, and candy with ample kick from the 48.5% ABV. It’s a miracle that this whiskey didn’t take an enormous value improve with the relaunch. It’s higher than ever, and rye lovers ought to take be aware—you’ll be hard-pressed to discover a higher rye whiskey being made anyplace.
