Templeton Fortitude Bourbon American Straight Bourbon Whiskey is one of those bottles that caught my eye precisely because it doesn't try too hard. At 45% ABV, it sits in that sweet spot above the legal minimum of 40% where you're getting enough proof to carry real flavour without the heat becoming a distraction. For a NAS bourbon at £41.50, the question is simple: does it deliver enough character to justify the price? I think it does, and here's why.
Templeton has had a complicated journey as a brand — they've faced scrutiny over sourcing and labelling in the past — but what matters to me is what's in the glass right now. The Fortitude expression is an American Straight Bourbon, which means it meets every requirement under federal standards of identity: made from at least 51% corn mash, distilled to no more than 160 proof, entered the barrel at no higher than 125 proof, and aged in new charred oak. That legal framework isn't just bureaucracy — it's a guarantee of a certain baseline quality and style. When I pick up a bottle labelled Straight Bourbon, I know the distillate has spent meaningful time in wood, and the 45% bottling strength tells me they haven't watered it down to nothing.
Tasting Notes
I don't have detailed tasting notes to break down here nose-to-finish, but I can tell you what to expect from a bourbon built to this spec. At 45% ABV with that straight bourbon pedigree, you're looking at a whiskey that should give you classic corn-driven sweetness — think caramel, vanilla, maybe some baking spice from the barrel char. The slightly higher proof means those flavours should have decent weight on the palate rather than feeling thin or diluted. The name "Fortitude" suggests this is positioned as a bolder expression in the Templeton range, and the proof point backs that up.
The Verdict
At £41.50, Templeton Fortitude sits in a competitive bracket. You're up against some solid options from the big Kentucky producers at that price, but this bottle holds its own. The 45% ABV is a genuine plus — too many bourbons in this range get bottled at 40% and lose half their personality in the process. The fact that it carries the Straight Bourbon designation means you're not getting some young, barely aged spirit dressed up with clever marketing. This is a proper bourbon that plays by the rules, and at this proof, it has the backbone to stand up in cocktails without disappearing.
I'm giving Templeton Fortitude a 7.8 out of 10. It's a solid, well-constructed bourbon that does what it says on the label. It's not trying to be a limited-edition showstopper, and I respect that. This is an honest everyday sipper with enough character to keep things interesting.
Best Served
This is a bourbon I'd reach for in an Old Fashioned without hesitation. At 45%, it has enough proof to hold up against the sugar and bitters without getting lost. Two dashes of Angostura, a barspoon of demerara syrup, a big ice cube, and an orange peel — that's all you need. The corn sweetness in the bourbon will complement the demerara beautifully, and the barrel spice should push through the dilution as the ice opens things up. If cocktails aren't your thing, pour it neat in a Glencairn or over a single large cube and let it breathe for a few minutes before your first sip. Either way, this is a bottle that rewards simplicity.
