Templeton Bourbon Fortitude 750ML

Templeton Bourbon Fortitude 750ML is a non-chill filtered, high-rye bourbon bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 750ml format. A Gold Medal winner at the 2024 LA Spirits Awards and a 93-point Gold Medal recipient at the 2024 MLSA Global Spirits Competition, Fortitude stands out with one of the most rye-heavy mashbills in the bourbon category—pushing it into bourbon-rye hybrid territory.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 Proof)  |  Origin: Templeton, Iowa, USA  |  Style: High-Rye Bourbon  |  Distillery: Templeton Distillery

Production & Heritage

Templeton Distillery distills, ages, and bottles Fortitude entirely in Templeton, Iowa, using corn sourced from farms within 15 miles of the distillery. The mashbill—55% corn, 40% rye, and 5% malted barley—leans heavily on rye grain, a proportion far exceeding the typical 10–15% rye found in most bourbons. The spirit matures in charred new American oak barrels and is bottled without chill filtration, preserving oils and texture that would otherwise be stripped out. That combination of local grain, aggressive rye content, and minimal processing gives Fortitude a character that reads closer to a rye-bourbon crossover than a standard straight bourbon.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Caramel and vanilla lead, followed by cinnamon sugar, cream soda sweetness, and a pronounced minty rye spice. The grain-forward character is immediately apparent, with vanilla cream underpinning the spicier top notes.

Taste: The entry is rich and full-bodied, with honey and toasted oak arriving first before a wave of rye spice takes hold at mid-palate. Cinnamon candy sweetness balances against white pepper and a subtle cherry-cookie quality. The non-chill filtered texture is evident—oily and dense, carrying each flavor through with notable weight.

Finish: Warm and moderately long, blending sweet and savory elements. Lingering notes of lemon pound cake, white pepper, and charred oak fade slowly, with the rye spice echoing well after the last sip.

How to Drink Fortitude

At 92 proof and non-chill filtered, Fortitude delivers its best complexity neat or with a few drops of water to open up the rye spice. The high rye content also makes it an exceptional cocktail base. A Manhattan benefits from the cinnamon and cherry-cookie notes complementing sweet vermouth. An Old Fashioned lets the honey and toasted oak shine against a sugar cube and bitters. A Boulevardier works particularly well here—the rye backbone stands up to Campari without getting buried.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers looking to explore high-rye expressions without switching to straight rye
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values production transparency and local sourcing
• Building rye-forward classic cocktails like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds
• Side-by-side tastings comparing high-rye bourbons against traditional corn-heavy mashbills

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Fortitude taste like? Fortitude delivers a rich, full-bodied palate dominated by honey, toasted oak, and assertive rye spice, with supporting notes of cinnamon candy, cream soda, and white pepper. The non-chill filtered bottling gives it a notably oily, dense texture.

How does Fortitude compare to Elijah Craig Small Batch? Both are well-regarded bourbons under $40, but Fortitude's 40% rye mashbill makes it significantly spicier and more grain-forward than Elijah Craig Small Batch, which uses a more traditional corn-dominant profile. Fortitude also comes in at 92 proof versus Elijah Craig's 94, with a non-chill filtered process that adds textural weight.

Is Fortitude good for sipping neat? Yes—the 92-proof strength and non-chill filtered body make it well-suited for neat sipping, especially for drinkers who appreciate pronounced rye spice alongside bourbon sweetness. A few drops of water can further open up the vanilla and caramel aromatics.

Where is Fortitude made? Fortitude is distilled, aged, and bottled at Templeton Distillery in the small town of Templeton, Iowa. The distillery sources its corn from farms located within 15 miles of the facility.

What foods pair well with Fortitude? Smoked brisket works well, as the rye spice cuts through the fat. Dark chocolate complements the cinnamon and vanilla notes. Sharp aged cheddar mirrors the toasted oak character. Pecan pie aligns with the honey sweetness, and charcuterie boards with spiced salami echo the peppery finish.

What sizes does Fortitude come in? Templeton Bourbon Fortitude is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Fortitude worth the price? Fortitude positions as a mid-range bourbon that punches above its weight, particularly given the non-chill filtered process, higher proof, and dual Gold Medal wins in 2024 competition circuits. Within the under-$40 bourbon segment, it offers a distinctly different profile from more conventional options.

Why Fortitude?

The 40% rye mashbill is the headline here—it places Fortitude in rare company among bourbons, delivering spice intensity that most competitors in the category simply cannot match without crossing into straight rye territory. Non-chill filtration at 92 proof preserves the textural payoff of that grain bill, and locally sourced Iowa corn adds a genuine provenance story. The 93-point score and Gold Medal at the 2024 MLSA Global Spirits Competition, alongside a Gold at the 2024 LA Spirits Awards, confirm that the liquid itself backs up the production ambition. For drinkers who find most bourbons too sweet or one-dimensional, Fortitude offers a credible alternative without abandoning the category entirely.