Templeton Midnight Rye is a rye whiskey matured in first-fill charred American oak barrels and refined with a touch of rare, dark port wine from California, bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV).
Templeton Rye refers to rye whiskey made in Templeton, Iowa, as far back as the 1920s, a nod to the town's bootlegger legacy, and the brand brought the concept back to life in 2006. In 2018 Templeton Distillery, on 20 acres in a small town of only 352 residents, began distilling. Midnight Rye takes a nontraditional approach: aged stocks of a classic 95/5 rye are blended with a carefully balanced amount of dark port wine layered directly into the whiskey, creating a darker, more complex expression than the brand's standard offerings.
The port's influence shows in a nice balance of sweet aromas, with spicy rye notes melding with sweet vanilla, cinnamon and caramel in a fruity embrace. The mouthfeel is buttery, with hints of dark berry and fig before the rye's pine and spice take over.
A rye for those who like a little richness.
American rye whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% rye and aged in new charred oak, giving it a spicier, drier character than bourbon, with notes of pepper, herbs and baking spice.
The blend gives the whiskey a chestnut color and a richer, rounder character than a straight rye, making it an easy introduction to rye for anyone who enjoys a hint of sweetness.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Port wine fruit, vanilla, caramel, rye spice.
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Palate: Buttery, dark berry, fig, cinnamon, rye spice.
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Finish: Warm and spicy.
Specifications
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Brand: Templeton
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Style: Rye whiskey with port wine
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Aging: First-fill charred American oak
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Port: Dark port wine from California
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Proof / ABV: 90 proof (45% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or on the rocks, or try it in a Manhattan where the port notes echo the sweet vermouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes it different?
A touch of dark California port wine is layered into the rye.
How is it aged?
In first-fill charred American oak barrels.
What proof is it?
90 proof (45% ABV).
Explore more in our Rye collection.
