Hotaling & Co to end distilling operations
San Francisco-based distiller and distributor Hotaling & Co is closing its Pier 50 distillery to focus on its import business.
Hotaling & Co produces Junipero gin and Old Potrero whiskey, and also owns the Hirsch whiskey brand.
It also imports and scales a number of brands in the US, including spirits from Fiero Tequila, Hine Cognac, Taiwanese distillery Kavalan, Japanese distillery Nikka and Irish distillery Dingle.
The company called the decision to end its distilling operations “a strategic step” after it carried out a comprehensive review on its long-term strategy and capital allocation priorities.
“The decision enables us to sharpen our focus on our core strengths as a builder and importer of world-class fine spirits brands and to align resources around the areas where we are best positioned to drive sustainable growth,” it said in a statement.
“It allows us to focus resources where we have the strongest competitive advantage — building and scaling fine spirits brands through marketing excellence and commercial execution. This is a proactive strategic decision designed to strengthen the business for the future.”
Despite distillery operations winding down, the company maintained that Junipero and Old Potrero will remain “important parts” of its portfolio with both brands up by 9% and 10% respectively for the fiscal year to date through January.
“We will continue to sell and support both brands. Supply continuity remains a priority. We have sufficient bulk and bottled inventory in place and will continue working with trusted Bay Area production partners to ensure consistent quality and seamless availability in the market,” the company confirmed.
Old Potrero will be produced with one of Hotaling & Co.’s longtime partners, “likely Corning & Co”, while Junipero’s partner has not been finalised.
Hirsch, meanwhile, will continue to be produced in partnership with other distilleries.
“[Hirsch] whiskeys are expertly sourced and further developed by Hotaling & Co, in the manner of the original A.H. Hirsch, who was acclaimed for his sourcing and selection of remarkable whiskey,” the company said.
Hotaling & Co didn’t provide specific date for the closure but said the facility would see a “structured wind-down plan” and that it is open for another business to take on the space and its distillery assets.
“We are open to discussions with interested parties regarding the lease and/or equipment as part of a responsible transition process,” it added.
Hotaling & Co used to operate as Anchor Distilling Company, but was forced to rebrand after a trademark dispute in February 2018.
Hotaling & Co master distiller Bruce Joseph retired last year after 45 years with the company; a tenure that began in 1980. Joseph created both Old Potrero and Junipero brands in 1996 and was said to be a leader in the US craft gin and whiskey movements.
The company will remain headquartered in San Francisco and its longstanding partnerships throughout the Bay Area will continue.
The company also said its distributor network won’t be affected by the distillery’s closure, nor will its current sales plans and brand support. “There are no changes to shipment plans, commercial priorities, or brand investment. We remain focused on delivering against our commitments and supporting our brands in the market,” it confirmed.
The Spirits Business has reached out to Hotaling & Co to find out how many jobs at the distillery will be affected.
On Instagram, current head distiller Kevin Aslan confirmed he is leaving the company.
His post read:” I will no longer be part of Junipero, Old Potrero or Hirsch after 27 February 2026. Anchor Distilling/Hotaling gave me 15 incredible years and I am nothing but grateful to have represented these iconic brands for so long.
“Please keep supporting the brands and Hotaling. Not sure what’s next for me. If you’re reading this, thank you for your support.”
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