Old Potrero California Cellar Series 2 Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey Finished in Sonoma Portworks Petite Sirah Port Barrels

Old Potrero California Cellar Series 2 — Toasted Barrel Rye Finished in Sonoma Portworks Petite Sirah Port Barrels

Old Potrero California Cellar Series 2 is the second release in Hotaling & Co.'s California Cellar Series, a project that finishes San Francisco's pioneering pot-distilled rye in barrels borrowed from the state's finest producers. For this expression, Old Potrero's toasted-barrel rye spent 17 months in Petite Sirah port barrels from Sonoma Portworks in Petaluma, California — layering dark port fruit over the whiskey's signature spice.

The base whiskey is 100% pot-distilled rye, aged 5 years and 10 months in new fine-grain toasted American oak before the port finish, for a total age of 7 years and 3 months. Bottled at 56.8% ABV (113.6 proof) in a 700mL bottle, each bottle is individually numbered. Portmaker Deneice Knotts of Sonoma Portworks notes the barrels pass along cherry, dried fruit, and cinnamon spice — a natural fit for a rye that, as former Master Distiller Bruce Joseph put it, has always been shaped by California wine country.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Deep caramel, rich vanilla, cooked fruit, and cacao.
• Palate: Sweet rye layered with spicy cinnamon, nutty warmth, and bright cherry wood.
• Finish: Grape cola and grape-leaf tanginess melting into a long, spiced rye hug.

Key Highlights

• ✔ California Cellar Series #02 — limited collaboration with Sonoma Portworks (Petaluma, CA)
• ✔ 17-month Petite Sirah port barrel finish on top of 5 years 10 months in new toasted American oak
• ✔ 100% pot-distilled rye, distilled and bottled in San Francisco
• ✔ 113.6 proof / 56.8% ABV — full-flavored and unapologetic
• ✔ 700mL bottle, individually numbered — a collector's release

How to Enjoy

Best neat in a Glencairn to catch the full arc from port fruit to rye spice, or with a single large cube to soften the proof. It shines after dinner alongside dark chocolate, aged cheddar, or cherry clafoutis, and makes a remarkable Manhattan for anyone who likes their rye with a wine-dark edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the California Cellar Series?

A limited series from Old Potrero (Hotaling & Co.) that finishes its San Francisco-distilled rye whiskey in barrels sourced from celebrated California producers — wineries, breweries, and beyond. Each release is numbered and produced once.

How long was it finished in port barrels?

17 months in Petite Sirah port barrels from Sonoma Portworks, following 5 years and 10 months in new toasted American oak — 7 years and 3 months total.

Is this a 700mL or 750mL bottle?

700mL, as printed on the bottle label. (Some retailers mislist it as 750mL.)

What proof is it?

113.6 proof (56.8% ABV).