Templeton rye

Templeton Rye: Crafting Whiskey with a Strong Spirit

Templeton Rye is a whiskey brand that has been making waves in the industry for its unique blend of tradition and innovation. The company prides itself on crafting whiskey that respects the past, yet is inspired by the future. With a strong spirit and an unwavering commitment to quality, Templeton Rye captures the essence of a small town with big dreams.

History

The story of Templeton Rye dates back to Prohibition-era America when bootleggers would smuggle whiskey from Canada into Iowa. One such bootlegger was Alphonse Kerkhoff, who lived in the small town of Templeton. Kerkhoff began producing his own rye whiskey using a recipe passed down from his German ancestors.

The popularity of Kerkhoff's whiskey grew quickly, and soon he was supplying speakeasies throughout Iowa and beyond. However, after Prohibition ended in 1933, Kerkhoff was forced to shut down his operation due to new regulations.

Fast forward to 2001 when Scott Bush decided to revive the Templeton Rye brand using Kerkhoff's original recipe. Bush worked tirelessly to perfect the recipe and eventually partnered with MGP Ingredients in Indiana to produce Templeton Rye on a larger scale.

Today, Templeton Rye is one of the most respected names in American whiskey thanks to its rich history and commitment to quality.

Craftsmanship

Templeton Rye is made using only four ingredients: rye grain, water from Iowa's limestone aquifer, yeast, and time. The rye grain used in each batch is carefully selected for its flavor profile before being milled into flour-like consistency.

The next step involves mixing water with the milled rye grain before adding yeast. This mixture then ferments for several days until it reaches an alcohol content of around 10%.

After fermentation, the mixture is distilled twice to remove impurities and increase the alcohol content. The resulting spirit is then aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years.

Templeton Rye's unique flavor profile comes from its high rye content (95%) and the use of a proprietary yeast strain. The result is a smooth, spicy whiskey with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.

Awards

Templeton Rye has won numerous awards over the years for its exceptional quality and taste. In 2019, Templeton Rye 10 Year Reserve was named "Best Rye Whiskey" at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Other notable awards include:

- Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2018)

- Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition (2017)

- Best American Craft Whiskey at Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards (2015)

Community

Templeton Rye has always been deeply rooted in its community. The company sponsors local events and charities throughout Iowa as a way to give back to those who have supported them over the years.

In addition to supporting local causes, Templeton Rye also hosts events across the country where fans can sample their whiskey and learn more about their history and craftsmanship.

Conclusion

Templeton Rye is more than just a whiskey brand; it's an embodiment of small-town values with big dreams. From its humble beginnings during Prohibition-era America to becoming one of America's most respected names in whiskey today, Templeton Rye has stayed true to its roots while embracing innovation.

Crafted using only four ingredients with an unwavering commitment to quality, Templeton Rye offers a unique flavor profile that has won numerous awards over the years. And with deep ties to its community through sponsorships and events across Iowa and beyond, it's clear that Templeton Rye isn't just making great whiskey; they're making a difference.