Bourbon Lens

Our guest is Bruce Joseph, Master Distiller of Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey for Hotaling & Co.  Bruce previously appeared back in Episode 74 (circa June 2020), but he's back with his unique malted rye whiskey and it is now bearing a higher age statement and some killer new packaging.  The malted rye mashbill is pot distilled in San Francisco and admittedly is one of the most unique whiskies we've tried during this podcast's history. If you want to flex your palate and see what else is out there in craft whiskey, we highly recommend you find a bottle of Old Potrero's 6 year aged stated Straight Rye Whiskey.  

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there.  

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

From their June 2022 Press Release:

Hotaling & Co. is proud to announce the relaunch of the legendary whiskey brand, Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey, credited as the first American Craft Whiskey to hit the market since prohibition. The Old Potrero relaunch will feature new packaging and bottle design geared towards today's contemporary whiskey drinker, who appreciates an excellent dram with an iconic heritage and a modern-day appeal.

Originally created by Fritz Maytag, the beverage visionary and founder of Hotaling & Co., (formerly Anchor Distilling Co.), Old Potrero Rye Whiskey is a bold homage to the original artisanal whiskies of America, a testament to the power of the pioneering spirit and the celebrated return of pot-distilled whiskey in the United States. Since 1994, the whiskey has been distilled in small copper pot stills at the San Francisco-based distillery, and in 2010 was passed down to current Master Distiller, Bruce Joseph, who has worked alongside Fritz since the first barrels were laid in the early 90's.

"We are thrilled to usher Old Potrero into a new era," says Master Distiller, Bruce Joseph. "With the same bold liquid within, Old Potrero's new packaging and bottle embody the boldness of its home-base, San Francisco. A city that's resilient, creative and richly historic, just like Old Potrero."

The new packaging redesign, created by design agency Stranger & Stranger, features a dark wooden top with a natural cork stopper stamped with Old Potrero branding for a premium craft feel. The bottle's perforated edges and ticket-style copy holding devices connect back to the historic cable cars of San Francisco. And the new label features the same copper pot still used at the distillery since its inception as well as one of the world's most celebrated and iconic sights – The Golden Gate Bridge. The font, Fog City Gothic, is used throughout the label as a nod to the type used on signage seen throughout San Francisco.

"The bottle's design was inspired by the juxtaposition of San Francisco's architecture, between the past and the present," says Luis Rivas Ball, Senior Brand Lead American Whiskeys at Hotaling and Co. "From the perforated edges and ticket-style holding devices that connect back to the cable cars to the copper pot still and Golden Gate Bridge in the logo, Old Potrero is a true representation of San Francisco."

Although the brand is launching a bold and eye-catching new design, what's inside will remain unchanged – the same award winning 100% malted rye whiskey, now aged longer for added smoothness and complexity. Highlights on the Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey 6 years-old and the Old Potrero Old Single Barrel 100% Malted Rye Whiskey are as follows:

• Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey 6-Year-Old (SRP $64.99) marked the official return of pot distilled rye whiskey to the US. Distilled from a 100% malted rye mash bill in the same copper post still since the 1990's, the liquid is then matured in new, charred, 24-month air dried, extra-fine grain, American white oak barrels for a minimum of six years. Tasting notes include brown sugar, black cherry, spice, and maple with a nutty finish, satisfying the enthusiast' desire for bolder flavors and higher strength whiskeys.
• The Old Potrero Single Barrel Rye Whiskey (SRP $89.99) is aged in extra fine grain American Oak. The wood is air dried for 24 months and the barrels are fully toasted and charred by hand over an oak fire. The mash of 100% malted rye is fermented for four days and then double distilled in traditional copper pot whiskey stills. This expression is slated to debut in later 2022.

About Old Potrero

Old Potrero Rye Whiskey is a testament to the power of the pioneering spirit and the celebrated return of pot- distilled whiskey in the United States. Created by Fritz Maytag, the same beverage visionary who sparked the craft beer movement with his purchase of Anchor Brewing in 1965 and the founder of the original Anchor Distilling Co., now Hotaling & Co., Old Potrero is credited as the first American craft whiskey to hit the market since Prohibition. It is distilled in a small copper pot still at the Hotaling & Co. Distillery on San Francisco's Potrero Hill Farm from a mash of 100% rye malt, with rye being the grain of choice for America's first distillers.

About Hotaling & Co.

Hotaling & Co., the leading San Francisco importer & distiller, offers the finest curated portfolio of premium artisanal spirits including Luxardo Liqueurs, Nikka Whisky, Kavalan Whisky, HINE Cognac, Denizen Rum, and HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys. Hotaling & Co., originally named Anchor Distilling Company, was established in 1993 and is credited with releasing America's first craft whiskey (Old Potrero) and American craft gin (Junipero Gin) after Prohibition. In 2010, Anchor Distilling Company was sold to a business partnership that included Tony Foglio and London's oldest wine and spirit merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd and began expanding to incorporate a collection of super-premium artisanal spirits imported from around the world. In 2017, Anchor Distilling became Hotaling &Co. The new name is a nod to one of Anchor Distilling's most beloved small batch whiskies (Old Potrero Hotaling's Whiskey) and to the San Francisco legend A.P. Hotaling, who came out West during the Gold Rush and quickly became one of the most reputable spirits dealers in the country. Today, Hotaling & Co. celebrates exciting growth and achievements, marking its 26th year of distilling and its 10th year of commercially uniting artisan distillers from around the world and sharing their stories to discerning consumers. 

For more details about Old Potrero please visit OldPotrero.com or HotalingandCo.com.

We're back for Episode 8 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring Marcus Niemann, the future Director of Quality and R&D at Michter's Distillery and former guest of our Behind the Scenes at Four Roses Episode way back on Episode 39.  Marcus is a long-time friend of Jake's who is passionate about philanthropy, bike riding, fatherhood, and fermentation.

This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours.

Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

Putting a wine-maker's spin on blending bourbon and rye, Sean Joseph's utilizes his background as a Wine Sommelier to blend yearly vintages of Pinhook.  We discuss the Pinhook approach to blending and the work behind the horse racing-inspired branding.  It's clear that there is a lot more to this whiskey than colorful wax.  Have you tried Pinhook Whiskies before?  Let us know your thoughts by dropping us a line on social media.

About Pinhook:

The standard approach to American whiskey uses blending and a fixed proof to replicate an established flavor profile batch after batch. Breaking with this tradition, Pinhook treats each set of barrels as a new vintage, shaped by the natural variations in the ingredients and the elements. Working in small batches, we craft each vintage to express the best whiskey rather than the same whiskey, and set the proof to optimize the unique attributes of that group of barrels.

To differentiate these expressions from each other and to help identify the same expression across multiple vintages, we have developed a visual language, inspired by jockeys' silks. Click Here to learn more about  what each component signifies.

About Sean Josephs:

Sean Josephs is a founder of Pinhook and the Master Blender, a role in which he directs Castle & Key in the distillation of Pinhook's custom mashbills and blends and proofs every Pinhook vintage.

Sean's background is as an award-winning restaurateur, certified sommelier and nationally-acclaimed whiskey and cocktail expert. After cutting his teeth at Chanterelle and Per Se in New York City, Sean opened three American Whiskey bars and restaurants: Char No. 4 and Maysville in New York and Kenton's in New Orleans. The food and bar programs have been recognized by publications ranging from Esquire to the Wall Street Journal. Sean has appeared on the New York Times' wine and spirits tasting panel on several occasions, has authored articles on bourbon, and is frequently quoted as a whiskey and cocktail authority. Sean is a graduate of the Colorado College.

We're back for Episode 7 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring Michael Paladini, co-founder of Penelope Bourbon. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours.

Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

Rare, old whiskies are the subject of today's podcast as we sit down with Preservation Distillery in Bardstown Kentucky.  Jake tastes through a flight of Preservation whiskies, including Rare Perfection, Very Olde St. Nick, and Wattie Boone & Sons. Our guest today is Jake Feldhuse who tells the brand's history, story, and a little bit about what might be in store for the distillery.

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there.  

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

We're back for Episode 6 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring David DeFazio, Co-Founder of Wyoming Whiskey and avid outdoorsman. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours.

Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

Year 2 of the revamped Kentucky Bourbon Festival is just 2 months away. "Whiskey Only. Only In Bardstown." is the tagline for the 2022 edition of the Festival. One of Kentucky's biggest events that celebrates its native spirit is returning for 2022, and tickets are on sale. The 31st Kentucky Bourbon Festival will be held Sept. 16 through Sept. 18 in Bardstown. Hear from Festival President Randy Prasse as he discusses last year's event as well as what the future holds for the Festival. 

Buy your tickets today as you don't want to miss this event.  Premium and Specialty Event tickets go on sale August 1 at 11am EDT. 

Here are the details on the ticket packages still available:

3 x Day 'Bourbon Taster'

• $125.00 + shipping fee
• Friday, Saturday, Sunday Admission
• Sampling from all participating distillery booths throughout the weekend
• 'Wee' Glencairn KBF-branded nosing and tasting glass - one glass per guest
• Ability to purchase bottles from the distillery booths AND exclusive KBF Single Barrel bottles from the KBF Bottle Shop
• Access to distillery booths, educational sessions, musical entertainment, food trucks, and exhibits

1 x Day 'Sunday Sampler'

• $75.00 + shipping fee
• Sunday Only Admission
• Sampling from all participating distillery booths throughout the weekend
• 'Wee' Glencairn KBF-branded nosing and tasting glass - one glass per guest
• Ability to purchase bottles from the distillery booths AND exclusive KBF Single Barrel bottles from the KBF Bottle Shop
• Access to distillery booths, educational sessions, musical entertainment, food trucks, and exhibits

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there.  

We are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

We're back with Episode 5 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring Ashley and Colby Frey, Founders of Frey Ranch Distillery in Fallon Nevada. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours.

Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens

We are catching up with Old Elk's Master Distiller, Greg Metze, since his last appearance back in Episode 101.  Old Elk Distillery is continuing to grow, expand its limited release portfolio , and experiment with blends and finishes. We taste their Master's Blend Series offerings, Four Grain Bourbon and Double Wheat. Find out what's going on in Fort Collins Colorado in this week's episode of Bourbon Lens. 

Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there.  

e are thankful for everyone who has supported us. A huge shoutout goes to our growing Patreon Community as well! We'd appreciate it if you can take the time to give us feedback on our podcast. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.

Follow  us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.  And please check out our Patreon to learn how you can support our endeavors, earn Bourbon Lens swag, be part of future barrel picks, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected].

Visit our website BourbonLens.com to check out our blog posts, or even purchase your own Bourbon Lens tasting glass or t-shirt.

Cheers,
Scott and Jake
Bourbon Lens

About Greg Metze

Greg Metze, Master Distiller at Old Elk Distillery, has four decades of distilling experience, starting at the Joseph E. Seagram & Sons Distillery located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, in 1978. He is considered one of the spirits industry's premier master distillers and has had a hand in crafting many of the whiskies on the shelf today.

Greg's connection to Old Elk traces back to the distillery's inception. He was master distiller at MGP Ingredients when Old Elk Distillery asked him, in 2013, to create the signature mash bill for Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey that would bring to life the vision of Old Elk's founder, Curt Richardson. With an unrestricted approach, Greg's direction helped develop a custom mashbill with four times more malted barley than the conventional recipe.

After spending most of his career at Seagram & Sons (which later became LDI and then MGP Ingredients), Greg was offered the Master Distiller position at Old Elk. He joined Old Elk Distillery in 2016, marking the first time he has ever worked exclusively for one brand.

Greg and head distiller Kate Douglas developed Old Elk's proprietary Slow CutTM proofing process, where the liquid is proofed down over an extended period of time instead of the traditional 24-48 hours. This results in less heat created during the proofing process, and thus a smoother tasting bourbon. All Old Elk whiskies, including this wheat whiskey, go through the Slow Cut™  proofing process.

While Greg quietly earned fame among whiskey enthusiasts as the master distiller behind many popular sourced whiskey brands, he now has a distillery and a legacy brand to call "home."

We're back with Episode 4 of "Off Hours with Bourbon Lens" featuring John Wadell, Single Barrel Curator for Kentucky Peerless Distilling and Founder of The Stave & Bean Coffee Co. This episode is brought to you by Off Hours Bourbon. Off Hours Bourbon is made for the moments in between. After a long week or just because. Find the time and the moments in between. Find them with us in the Off Hours.

Find out more about Off Hours Bourbon on their website.

Follow John on Instagram @bourbon_colonel86. Learn more about Kentucky Peerless and The Stave & Bean Coffee Co. on their websites.

This has been another production of Bourbon Lens LLC.  Thank you for your continued support.  For exclusive opportunities and content, be sure to support our Patreon.

Scott & Jake
Bourbon Lens