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Templeton Rye Whiskey

Templeton Rye Spirits Templeton Rye Whiskey

(0.75l, 40%)


7.8/10
Price:
$29.99
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Templeton Rye imagines a time when cocktails were illegal and the mobsters were real.

Back in 2001, Scott Bush and Meryl Kerkhoff formed a partnership to bring back the “Templeton Rye” brand back to market. Back in the dark days of Prohibition a group of farmers met secretly in the little town of Templeton, Iowa — becoming bootleggers to supplement their incomes. This was the first Templeton Rye Whiskey. It is said that it was Al Capone’s favorite hooch, who called it “The Good Stuff.” The end of Prohibition and an economic recovery put an end to the original Templeton Rye, and the new version is a tribute to it.

Most of the Rye spirits used by brands in the United States comes out of MGP in Indiana (they’ve gotten very good at it), and Templeton is no exception. But it follows their specific formulation: 95% Rye, a dash of corn and barley, and a full four years of aging in new charred oak. Legally, you only need to have 51% Rye in the mash bill to call it “Rye,” so if you are a fan of Rye Whiskey you will definitely get the spice and zing you are looking for. We suggest you get yourself a bottle now, mix up a perfect Manhattan Cocktails, and raise a glass to federal prisoner #AZ-85 — Al Capone.

Smartass Corner:
So, why not 100% Rye? Well, of all the grains, Rye is the most temperamental. It can be REALLY hard to get the yeast to grab ahold of the Rye and get started off right. So adding just a bit of corn for sugar and barley for enzymes help smooth out the fermenting process.
  • Category
    Rye
  • Style
    Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Region
    United States
  • Country
    United States
  • Alcohol
    40%
  • Distillery
    MGP Indiana
  • Age
    NAS
  • Maturation
    New charred oak barrels

Flavor Spiral™

About The Flavor Spiral

Close
spicy
rye
caramel
sugar
grassy
honey
butter
corn
barley
What does Templeton Rye Whiskey taste like?

The Flavor Spiral™ shows the most common flavors that you'll taste in Templeton Rye Whiskey and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.

We invented Flavor Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.

Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color
Medium amber.

Nose / Aroma / Smell
Summer grass and distant honey.

Flavor / Taste / Palate
Strong with baking spices, warm toffee, and creamy butter.

Finish
Smooth, spicy, and well-balanced.

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Ratings & Reviews
Member Reviews and Ratings of Templeton Rye Whiskey
Adam
Adam,
Smooth with an excellent finish. Can drink straight and hold up to being mixed into an old fashioned. My go to rye!
 
Marty
Marty,
Great local Iowa spirit. Nice Manhattan.
 
Jessica
Jessica,
Very easy to drink and very tasty. Don't know too much about ryes, but with this being one of the firsts that I've tasted, I dont have any complaints at all.
 
JON
JON,
A great smell, smooth and good flavor. Great sipping whiskey. This is in my top 2 favorites!
 
Colton
Colton,
Very good! Nice sweet fruity notes with smooth caramel finish
 
Brian
Brian,
Love this stuff, and a beautiful new distillery too!
 
Jeremy
Jeremy,
Medium all around, a great every day rye.
 
guest
guest,
A hint of spice with a sweet finish. Great Sipper!
 
Derrick
Derrick,
Really like this one. The wife does too... bottle went a little too fast. Spicy yet smooth with great caramel notes.
 
Steve
Steve,
Spicy and sweet.
 
Ronald
Ronald,
Delicious, very enjoyable, great for the price and flavor.
 
Patrick
Patrick,
I love the spice and notes. One of my favorites so far, especially in an Old Fashioned.
 
Daniel
Daniel,
Aroma:. Notes of sweetness, warmth on the nose. Taste:. Strong alcohol taste and some burn that mellows out with spices and creaminess. On ice: still fairly strong alcohol, less burn. More buttery, less spices. Overall a decent whiskey, would make for a good mixing whiskey!
 
John
John,
Affordable and delicious. I enjoyed the kick this one has, with a long, warm caramel finish. This was my gateway rye for sure, as a bourbon drinker, and is become my go-to whiskey.
 
William
William,
Great, affordable rye with a smooth, spicy flavor
 
David
David,
Great Rye that sooths.
 
Patrick
Patrick,
Not a fan of the spice on this one, but I'd drink it if there weren't better choices available.
 
Aaron
Aaron,
I love Templeton. It is a fantastic rye. I prefer their 6yr or their new Maple Cask (not sweet & syrupy like you might think) since the 4yr is only 80%, a little "too smooth" actually. But Templeton is great stuff. And if you can find their new Barrel Proof, count yourself in for a treat!
 
Joshua
Joshua,
This is what got me into ryes. Very smooth and easy to drink.
 
Bruce
Bruce,
It is one of the most true-tone Ryes I have had. Reminds me of how pure the taste is when sipping Pliney the Elder. Delicious and go-to. Not luxurious or exotic but a staple cabinet bottle that I will turn to more times than not.
 
Kevin
Kevin,
Light spice for a rye. Smooth, but then again it's 80 proof so won't have much of bite. Decent drink for the price point it's at.
 
Liz
Liz,
I got a taste of those burnt sugar almonds that they sell at Christmas time and most sports arenas. I wouldn’t even be sure this was a rye without the spicy nose.
 
Iain
Iain,
It's a tasty, hot, rye, but smooth enough to drink on its own.
 
Nick
Nick,
The Good Stuff
 
Tina
Tina,
One of my favorites. Goes well in an Old Fashioned or on the rocks.
 
Matthew
Matthew,
Classic Rye Whiskey
 
Don
Don,
Never give anything a perfect review, but like others have said, this is the best Rye Whiskey I've had, and I'll stick with it. Was lucky enough to be gifted one of the 10 year old anniversary editions to get me started. The 4 year old edition has become my daily sipper.
 
Erik
Erik,
Bland with no rye character. It also has odd notes of allspice? nutmeg? I relegated my bottle to only using it in mixed drinks.
 
Eric
Eric,
My preferred Rye so far. Many an old-fashioned has been made with this. Spicy without being overbearing and a light sweetness as a counterbalance.
 
Andrew
Andrew,
Tastes exactly like the other MGP rye whiskeys. Maybe when they're actually bottling their own product in 2022 I'll give them another shot.
 
Ivan
Ivan,
Not enough rye and spice, but it is very smooth, I would like it more if it was stronger.
 
Javier
Javier,
A satisfying rye
 
George
George,
I’m not sure if I got a bad glass but I found this the worst whiskey I have tried in extensive whiskey experience. Intense alcohol taste, bad flavor, difficult to finish a glass.
 
Steve
Steve,
Surprisingly nice rye; very smooth with a nice finish.
 
Justin
Justin,
Smooth, lightly flavored rye. Recommended for those who don't like stronger / darker flavored rye whiskeys
 
Cindy
Cindy,
A very good whiskey!
 
James
James,
Exceptionally smooth rye. I like it best served neat.
 
Dave
Dave,
Nothing special. Sourced whiskey with added flavorings.
 
Ian
Ian,
A nice smooth rye from the heart of Iowa
 
Gail
Gail,
Love it...so smooth
 
Erin
Erin,
Pretty tasty! Great in cocktails or on the rocks!
 
Todd
Todd,
Great over one large rock. One of my favorites.
 
Jerry
Jerry,
Hands down my favorite Whiskey!
 
Christopher
Christopher,
I do enjoy the 4 year Templeton. Smooth, medium spice, some sweetness with hints of oak, vanilla, and cherry. Nice finish with medium burn.
 
Kurt
Kurt,
Mild Rye. Less spice noted. More Rye or grassy notes. Milder finish. I would classify as a great mild Rye whiskey.
 
MATTHEW
MATTHEW,
A very watery light rye that has no major undertones.
 
Lisa
Lisa,
Just fine. Nothing special.
 
Jason
Jason,
Not overly complex - very smooth.
 
Daniel
Daniel,
Close to home and one of my favs. Can’t wait for them to start distilling in Iowa full time!!!
 
Brandon
Brandon,
Tango and bold, better with an ice cube
 
Cedar
Cedar,
Love it
 
William
William,
Great whiskey very smooth very dangerous I drank 3/4 of a bottle.... I felt it the next morning but worth it for sure
 
Billy
Billy,
Was very good mixed with ginger ale
 
Evan
Evan,
Very smooth, nice flavor and a good full body. Worth drinking.
 
Edward
Edward,
Very nice flavor, added orange zest. Will buy again
 
Frank
Frank,
Definitely is "the good stuff." Very well balanced and smooth.
 
Lucas
Lucas,
Amazing!
 
Mike
Mike,
Best Rye ever
 
Jace
Jace,
Like it. Spicy, leather, oak.
 
Christopher
Christopher,
Very good flavor and smooth
 
Maria
Maria,
Peppery flavor smooth
 
Gabriel
Gabriel,
I'll be honest and start by saying not all Templeton Rye is creating equal - there's the standard 4 Year Aged which is good, but then there's the 6 Year Aged which is hand's down better (and the only Templeton I'll buy). My review is of the 6 year, though I will add Templeton didn't always denote years on their bottles, and you can still find a few laying around which only say 'The Good Stuff' without a year designation. Despite all of this, Templeton Rye 6 Year Aged is my absolute favorite Rye Whiskey. You simply can't go wrong with 95% rye mash, but that's extremely high considering the minimum standard to call it Rye Whiskey is only 51%. The result of going full bore with 95% rye is an amazing spicy bite in every sip. I imagine the 5% non-rye helps smooth it out, and it IS smooth. Al Capone had it right when he said this was the good stuff because it's unlike any other whisk(e)y. Perfect neat or with an ice sphere, and it makes one hell of a mean Rye Old Fashioned - I like to muddle some orange zest with the sugar cube to bring out the spice upfront then let the drinker sit back and enjoy the long vanilla-citrus finish with each sip.
 
Herbert
Herbert,
Very smooth and I like the cork sound it reminds me of the westerns when they step up to the bar for rye and you hear that cork😄
 
Eric
Eric,
Very good for the $$
 
Greg
Greg,
my favorite rye to make Manhattans with
 
Eric
Eric,
Absolutely solid rye.
 
Josh
Josh,
It was OK. Nothing offensive about it, but it didn't really have that spiciness that I would expect from a rye.
 
Menel
Menel,
Very easy to drink. Very little burn. Not a lot of flavor or spice but for price not bad.
 
Rich
Rich,
Very smooth and one of my favorites for the price.
 
Jeff
Jeff,
Very smooth and not a smack your face with rye even though the rye content is high. Excellent choice to a regular bourbon .
 
Anne
Anne,
Works with everything
 
jeff
jeff,
Smooth as silk, velvet texture. Hint of caramel,vanilla.
 
Reka
Reka,
Extremely smooth, one of the best rye ones I tried so far.
 
Steve
Steve,
My dad like Manhattans, I made him one with this and he loved it. So I gave him the bottle. Winner.
 
Reid
Reid,
Lost standards in the past few years.
 
Dylan
Dylan,
Awesome
 
Nikolaus
Nikolaus,
I'm not normally a Rye kind of guy but I find Templeton is a great drink. Whether you want to sip it on its own or mix up an Old Fashioned, it hits the spot. Pair it with a nice cigar and enjoy a great evening sitting out back.
 
Luke
Luke,
smooth with all the character of a rye whiskey. neat. always.
 
Tom
Tom,
The first thing I noticed was the fig then the bite of the whiskey which was smoothed out by the honey. Not sure what the purpose of the additives but it makes it taste more "bourbon like" and masks some of the heat.
 
Carolyn
Carolyn,
Tastes like a manhattan on its own
 
Shane
Shane,
I absolutely love this rye whiskey. Its became my "usual".
 
Pierce
Pierce,
Surprisingly smooth and sweet for a Rye. I expected a 4 year whiskey to be sharper, but was pleasantly surprised.
 
Monica
Monica,
When it comes to Rye Whiskey this is it! Nothing else I've tried even compares. Absolutely delicious!!!
 
Alex
Alex,
Very "Makers Mark-like" but with a hint of Jack Daniels. Good go-to whiskey but I've gone down that path before. Need to try other things.
 
Terry
Terry,
Great rye. Excellent taste and very smooth.
 
Chris
Chris,
A very smooth easy drinking rye.
 
Dennis
Dennis,
I really like this rye
 
Aaron
Aaron,
Great rye
 
guest
guest,
Great with oysters
 
Jimmy
Jimmy,
Good
 
Joshua
Joshua,
This rye has rich flavor with a smooth finish.
 
guest
guest,
Very smooth, extremely tasty
 
Jeff
Jeff,
The previous poster appears to be correct. A Google search turned up an article from 2014: http://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2014/09/26/does-it-matter-where-templeton-rye-whiskey-is-made To sum it up, Templeton is distilled by MGP in Indiana (using MGP's stock rye recipe) and blended in Templeton, Iowa. I've read through their website and they are very careful to use words like "produced" and "bottled", never once claiming that they distill it there. The claim that it closely matches the prohibition-era recipe may not be true; that depends on the recipe that MGP uses. Does that make it a bad whiskey? Not necessarily; that decision is up each individual drinker. The backstory as presented, appears to be somewhat of a fabrication. I've had Templeton both neat and in mixed drinks, and thought it was good, but not outstanding. Given the mostly glowing reviews listed here, it may get a revisit in the near future.
 
guest
guest,
Love
 
Jeffrey
Jeffrey,
Isn't this Rye distilled by MGP and rebranded as Templeton and other brands? Seems like the marketing material above is a lot of BS. I'd be interested to hear what the knowledgeable folks at Flavior have to say about this.
 
guest
guest,
Another Solid MGP product!
 
Micah
Micah,
Great in an old fashioned!
 
Patrick
Patrick,
An amazing gustational adventure.
 
Keith
Keith,
Full bodied flavor smooth all the way through. Very enjoyable and easy drinking.
 
Pyng
Pyng,
Does the trick when your back is out
 
Matthew
Matthew,
Makes a great old fashioned.
 
Eric
Eric,
I can see how Capone was able to build such a successful empire.
 
Dave
Dave,
Artificially flavored, re-branded MGP rye whiskey. Much better choices out there for rye whiskey. The flavor is not horrible, I just can't get past the artificial flavoring though.
 
Jerry
Jerry,
Love it. Early had a buddy get it got me in Iowa before it was mass produced.
 
guest
guest,
A nice ambassador for new rye drinkers. Very soft, sweet rye. Not very spicy at all.
 
David
David,
I'm more of a 'scotch guy' but this is good stuff. Highly recommended
 
guest
guest,
Templeton is my all time favorite. I have tried other rye whiskys but they just don't measure up. There is also nice perks to being in their boot leggers club. In all i think Templeton Rye can not be beat in flavor and aroma. SMOOTH
 
Jeffrey
Jeffrey,
Great small batch Rye
 
guest
guest,
The rye whiskey that made me love rye whiskeys.
 
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