As always, I am upfront and honest when I receive a free sample from a distillery for reviewing, and this review is one of those. Thank you greatly Rachel from the Element Brand Group, representing Infinium Spirits, for sending this bottle for review and the additional generous gift. Today’s review comes from the Templeton Distillery and is their newest release of Templeton Straight Rye Whiskey.

Bottle Information

From the Templeton Straight Rye Whiskey press release: This expression honors the brand’s prohibition roots with a flavorful and full-bodied rye whiskey, patiently aged in brand new charred oak barrels. With a “straight” whiskey designation and higher proof, this next generation of Templeton’s signature whiskey is perfectly tailored to meet the growing demand for rye in the craft cocktail scene and satisfy whiskey enthusiasts alike. 

Templeton Straight Rye Whiskey is also non-chill filtered with a natural rich amber hue, featuring visually enticing legs after a swirl of the whiskey glass, hinting at the whiskey’s full-bodied character. An inviting symphony of warm vanilla and pineapple aromas dance on the nose with subtle notes of toasted oak and a touch of spice. It features a full-bodied, smooth palate with distinct flavors of ripe cherries, dark chocolate, a subtle honey undertone and all the classic rye spices creating a complex and satisfying taste profile. A lingering warm finish gracefully evolves, leaving traces of cinnamon and black pepper complemented by caramelized oak. This delightful interplay of sweet and spicy notes in the finish speaks to the whiskey’s maturity. 

• Distiller: Distilled in Indiana, Produced and Bottled by Templeton Distillery
• Mash Bill: 95% Rye, and 5% Malted Barley
• Proof: 90
• Age: At Least 4 Years Old
• Year: 2024
• MSRP: $29
• Official Website

I will be honest that it is always exciting to receive a free sample or bottle, let alone a gift as well. But it is also unnerving for me to receive these gifts, as I always hope for the pour to be good as honestly, I do not like writing bad reviews but I will if deserved; thankfully this is not one of those reviews.

Although just released, I have seen this bottle and a holiday pack of this bottle available in two NoCo stores at MSRP. Overall, I enjoy the solid citrus and sweet notes this bottle offers and am still surprised at how long and prominent the finish is for a low-proof rye whiskey. This is a damn solid Rye Whiskey worthy of my bar cart. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Bright Citrus, Pineapple, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Honey, Juniper, and Slight Oak
• Palate: A Softer Palate with Notes of Rye Spice, Apple, Vanilla, and Slight Oak
• Finish: Surprisingly Long for a Low Proof Rye Whiskey with Wonderful Lasting Notes of Sweet Oak and Rye Spice
• My Rating: Mix It!/Drink It! (This is a damn solid Rye Whiskey worthy of my bar cart)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™