Old Potrero 12 Year Old Christmas Spirit Whiskey

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. There’s 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 spirit’s warmth

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

Quick Overview