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Hotaling master distiller to retire
Bruce Joseph will step down as master distiller at Hotaling & Co tomorrow (13 February) after 45 years with the company.
He joined San Francisco-based Anchor Brewing Company in October 1980 and became Hotaling’s first full-time distiller when the business was founded in 1993.
“As I reflect on my career over the past 45 years, beginning as a young brewer at Anchor, I realise how fortunate I was to have a ringside seat for not only the craft brewing revolution, but the rebirth of craft distilling, too,” Joseph said.
During his tenure as master distiller, Hotaling led the craft gin and whiskey movement, with Joseph creating Old Potrero rye and Junipero gin in 1996. In 2023, he was recognised by the Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) with the Distinguished Service Award.
“I could never have predicted that a secret project I worked on with Fritz Maytag would prove so pivotal in helping foster the robust craft spirits scene we enjoy today,” Joseph said. “We developed our whiskey and gin from a place of true inspiration and creativity, and as we brought them to production, Fritz ingrained in all of us that quality is paramount – a bedrock principle that continues to guide us today.”
Joseph will hold the title of master distiller emeritus following his retirement.
“Bruce’s legacy is one of innovation and excellence, and we are honoured to continue building on the incredible groundwork he laid,” said Hotaling CEO Dan Leese. “While we will miss his daily presence, we are thrilled to celebrate his remarkable career and look forward to his continued guidance.”
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