There’s a certain allure to tasting illegally made liquor, mainly due to the sense of admiring the independent American spirit in which past generations broke the law in order to make their own recipes and often support their families by doing so. Templeton began in such a way over a century ago in Iowa, made by Frank Schoeder in secret and brought out for special occasions when it required a bit of the “good stuff”. Today, under the supervision of Scott Bush, his family’s rye whiskey is not only legally distilled, but is the main source of employment for the town of Templeton.
Truly a community spirit, Templeton donates a large amount of their profits to ensure that the history of the own is not forgotten. The Templeton Archive Project is an ongoing campaign to document the history of their product by interviewing the older residents of the Templeton area, capturing their stories and preserving their memories of Templeton Rye, the Prohibition era and the role it played in their town. Not only that, but they co-host the annual Rock & Rye summer music festival each year, which brings money into the community.
Templeton Rye Whiskey (80 proof)
Visual: Harvest gold.
Nose: Luscious notes of sweet caramel, brown sugar, maple, with lighter hints of green apple, Bosc pear and brown bread.
Taste: Spicecake with a hint of sugar frosting.
Finish: The rye character predominates the overall effect of this whiskey.
Overall: This has a lighter mouthfeel, and yet a darker tone than many ryes on the market. Great in cocktails, this rye is tailor-made for your next Sazerac. Try some on ice as well, and see how the slightly rough edges smooth out as the whiskey opens up.
GSN Rating:A-
For more information go to: Templeton Rye
Interesting how the whiskey is the “main source of employment for the town of Templeton” despite it being made in Indiana along with Bulleit, Redemption, and other ryes. It’s a subcontracted product. I felt a little deceived when I learned of that after having hiked down to NYC to buy a bottle.
Frederick,
Can you tell me more?
Blair
Here is one of Chuck’s posts about this: http://chuckcowdery.blogspot.com/2011/09/news-from-templeton-rye.html
I guess it is still bottled in Iowa though so perhaps that’s where the jobs come from.
The Whiskey Reviewer got to it in October, although not with their usual rye man, Peters:
http://whiskeyreviewer.com/2012/10/templeton-rye-whiskey-review/