Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: Hotaling & Co—San Francisco, CA

Proof: 102.4 (51.2% ABV)

Age: Six Years

Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley

MSRP: $65

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Pot distilled.  Toasted barrel maturation.  Heritage style whiskey.

Old Potrero is not a brand that plays it safe.  Born out of Hotaling & Co in San Francisco, its mission is to honor America’s early whiskey traditions.  With this expression, they embrace a 100% malted rye mash bill and rely on copper pot still distillation. 

While most rye is aged in heavily charred oak barrels, Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey takes a different way.  Aging six years in lightly toasted oak is a distillery choice with an aim to coax more delicate sugars from the wood while embracing the character of the grain.  This expression invites enthusiasts to experience a distinctive balance between malted rye complexity and toasted barrel nuance.  Let’s see how it does…in the glass

Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4/5

Grain.  Herbal.  Rose petals.  Honeysuckle.
Strengths:  A clear grain-forward presence.  Earthy and slightly herbal sweet.  Inviting and distinct.  No sharp edges.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Stops slightly short of deep floral complexity, which would elevate the malt profile even further.
Rating Justification:  This is a strong and distinctive Nose.  It is complex and is the type of Nose that you will remember.

Palate – 4.1/5

Molasses.  Heavy toffee.  Malted sugar.  Dried cherry.  Char. 
Strengths:  Confident flavors.  There is significant weight to the pour as the mouthfeel is creamy and oily.  Malt sweetness.
Why It’s Not Higher:  A a touch of bitterness that emerges at mid-Palate.  Depending on your taste profile, it can be endearing or significantly off-putting.
Rating Justification:  This is a flavorful and textured Palate.  It is bold and rewarding, but the mid-Palate bitterness keeps it from achieving an elegant balance.

Finish – 4/5

Baking spice.  Cacao nib.  Licorice.  Dry leather.
Strengths:  The Finish is long and assertive.  Baking spice and cacao nib carrying the momentum.    The licorice and leather notes give an impression of maturity beyond the six years.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The Finish trends to pull back the sweet notes and toward the dry.  While this makes it bold and memorable, it also limits richness that could have made it more satisfying.  Some may find it leans too dry, especially if preference for sweeter rye profiles.
Rating Justification:  The Finish is robust.  Its length and complexity earn high marks.

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Value – 4.2/5

Strengths:  At $65, Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey is well-positioned and highly competitive.  The style and maturity make it unique; the price point keeps it below ultra-premium territory.  The proof is right in the sweet spot for enthusiasts—strong enough to carry depth, but not overwhelming.
Why It’s Not Higher:  While the price is fair, this remains a niche whiskey.  Its malt-forward profile and toasted oak dryness may not appeal to every rye drinker.  For those who prefer a sweeter or spicier rye, this could feel more specialized than versatile—less of a daily and more of an occasion.
Rating Justification:  Delivers strong value.  It provides rich distinctiveness at a price point that allows enthusiasts to explore something rare without stretching the budget.

Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Old Potrero Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey is a grain-driven and malt-forward expression that showcases the brand’s mission.  At $65, the value is strong—it’s not just unique, but also accessible in pricing compared to many craft or heritage-inspired whiskeys.

This bottle is a rewarding purchase for enthusiasts eager to explore the uncommon world of 100% malted rye, offering a historical authenticity and distinct flavor profile all without requiring a collector’s budget. Shop now.

Verdict – 4.1/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3