OLD POTRERO 6 YEAR SINGLE MALT RYE WHISKEY

A straight rye whiskey, distilled in a pot still and aged for 6 years in charred fine-grained American oak. Technically, it qualifies as a single malt (single distillery, 100% malted grain [rye], and pot distilled), but it's not marketed as such. Distilled and bottled in San Francisco at 48.5% ABV, costing $65 for 700ml. Sampled neat. Appearance is copper with average coating legs in the glass. Aromas include sweet grass, spearmint, pine, butterscotch, and raisins. The palate is unusual. Sweet malted grain, vanilla caramelized sugar, cardamom, white pepper, and a hint of bitter melon. The mouthfeel is soft and coating. An ethanol bloom initiates the finish, which brings out the rye spices and becomes dry, with menthol, citrus, brine, and sour grapes lingering. Light milk, followed by bittersweet chocolate, remains. It's been 20 years since I first tasted Old Potrero in its 18th-century style. I know Anchor has always done things its own way. And yet... the palate of this bottling still surprised me. But the more I taste it, the more I appreciate its unconventional flavors. It's not your typical aggressive rye. It's more of a subdued malted rye that turns slightly saline and sour in the finish instead of being spicy and bold. However, there are also notes of mint and chocolate. I recommend enjoying this as a sipper, not a mixer. Adding an ice cube thins the mouthfeel and shortens and softens the finish, but it's still acceptable. I will try this again after some time.

Nose: Immediately, floral aromas emerge, followed by an underlying sweetness of brown sugar, honey, and maple, with a whisper of licorice. Palate: A smooth texture greets the mouth, initially creamy and herbal, transitioning to baking spices, pepper, and oak toward the end. Finish: Spiciness remains on the front of the palate during the moderately long finish.

Smell: Comforting and pleasant with notes of baked oak, cinnamon, and candied sugar. Taste: Thick and zesty, containing flavors of black pepper, dark chocolate, and a touch of dried orange peel. Aftertaste: Lingering and strong, with persistent rye spice and a hint of sweet vanilla.

A spicy flavor and very smooth.