Old Potrero 12 Year Old Christmas Spirit is a creative and expressive whiskey that bridges brewing and distilling in festive harmony. Built from a historic Christmas spiced ale and matured for a dozen years, it presents a seasonal drama of pine, chocolate, orange, and spice not just a holiday novelty, but a serious sipping whiskey with depth and character.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This unique release hails from Hotaling & Co. / Old Potrero in San Francisco. The base spirit is distilled from a Christmas Spiced Ale brewed in 2011, leveraging the mash of that beer rather than a standard grain bill. After distillation (twice, in copper pot stills), the spirit was aged for over 12 years in once-used Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey barrels. The use of spent rye barrels brings a layer of integration between malt, spice, and barrel character. It is bottled at 50 % ABV (100 proof), making it bold yet approachable for contemplative drinking.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
A fragrant blend of orange peel, chocolate, vanilla, and hints of evergreen (pine needles) like stepping into a winter forest warmed by a hearth.

Palate:
Roasted barley and malt forward, then layers unwrap: sweet cinnamon, spiced berries, and soft oak. Theres a balance between maltiness, festive spice, and citrus brightness.

Finish:
Continues with spiced orange, mulled wine impressions, and freshly cut nutmeg. Lingering warmth and spice carry the experience through gently fading sweetness.

Food Pairings & Serving Ideas

• Serve neat or with a single large ice cube, allowing the layered aromas room to unfold

• As a cocktail base: try a festive Whiskey Old Fashioned with cinnamon or orange twist

• Pair with dark chocolate, gingerbread, or spiced nuts to echo the spirits warmth

• Also a match for aged cheeses (like Comt or Manchego) or fruitcake during holiday gatherings

Quick Overview

Spec Details ABV / Proof 50 % / 100 proof Origin / Producer San Francisco / Hotaling & Co. (Old Potrero) Base Spirit Distilled from a Christmas spiced ale (2011) Aging Over 12 years in exOld Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey barrels Aromas & Flavors Orange, chocolate, vanilla, roasted barley, cinnamon, spiced berries Style / Identity Festive, malt-driven, barrel-aged experimental whiskey Character Rich and warming seasonal yet deliberate