First Impressions
Templeton Rye trades on one of American whiskey's better stories: during Prohibition, the small town of Templeton, Iowa, became famous for a smooth, illicit rye whiskey said to have been favoured by Al Capone himself. The modern brand revived the family recipe in 2006, and since 2018 has been distilled at its own purpose-built facility in Templeton.
Distillery & Heritage
The brand was originally famous — and controversial — for sourcing its whiskey from MGP in Indiana while marketing a family recipe story. The opening of the Templeton, Iowa distillery in 2018 meant the brand could finally distill its own rye on home soil, using a high-rye mashbill in a nod to the bootleg original.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The nose leans sweet — caramel, butterscotch, clove and orange peel over a bed of soft rye spice. The palate is smoother than most ryes, with honey, vanilla and baking spice giving way to gentle pepper. The finish is medium and warming.
Verdict
Templeton is a gentle, cocktail-friendly rye that makes a fine Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
