365: Exploring Old Potrero Rye and Junipero Gin with Kevin Aslan of Hotaling & Co.

In this episode of The Bourbon Lens Podcast, Jake and Scott welcome Kevin Aslan of Hotaling & Co., Head Distiller/Blender for Old Potrero, and a longtime friend of the show. The conversation spans two shared passions—gin and rye whiskey—and highlights what makes Old Potrero one of the most distinctive producers in American whiskey. Jake and Scott dive into Kevin's and Scott's mutual love of gin, including a discussion of Junipero Gin and its lineup, exploring how botanical balance and unique gin prodction resonates with modern drinkers. The conversation then shifts to Old Potrero's approach to rye whiskey, focusing on its use of 100% malted rye grain, a style that sets the distillery apart from traditional rye producers. The group discusses the Old Potrero 6 Year Old Toasted Barrel Malted Rye Whiskey, examining how toasted oak influences sweetness, spice, and mouthfeel. The episode wraps with a tasting and deeper discussion of an allocated Old Potrero Cellar Series release—the Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey finished in Gundlach Bundschu Gewürztraminer barrels. Kevin shares insight into how wine finishing, barrel selection, and malted rye interact to create layered, expressive whiskey, while Jake and Scott reflect on how these finishes expand the conversation around American rye. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review. We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast. You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more. Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews. Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens