Templeton Straight Rye 750ML

Templeton Straight Rye 750ML is a 90-proof American straight rye whiskey bottled at 45% ABV in a 750ml format. This expression earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Diego Spirits Competition, along with Gold Medals at both the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the 2021 SIP Awards — a strong showing that underscores its standing among high-rye American whiskeys.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof)  |  Origin: Templeton, Iowa / Indiana, USA  |  Minimum 4 Years Aged  |  Distillery: MGP (distilled), Templeton (aged & bottled)

Production & Heritage

Templeton Rye traces its identity to the small town of Templeton, Iowa, where rye whiskey was famously produced during Prohibition. The modern Straight Rye expression is distilled at the MGP distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, using a 95% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill — one of the most rye-forward grain bills commercially available. The whiskey is aged a minimum of four years in new charred American oak barrels, then shipped to Templeton, Iowa for blending and bottling. Critically, the "Straight Rye" designation on this label certifies no added flavoring or coloring, and the whiskey is non-chill filtered to preserve its full body and natural character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with pronounced rye grain spice and warm vanilla, followed by light caramel and toasted oak. A subtle tropical hint of pineapple emerges beneath the spice as the whiskey breathes.

Taste: The entry is bold and grain-forward, with assertive rye spice and black pepper arriving immediately. At mid-palate, baking spice and ripe cherry sweetness develop, balanced by dark chocolate undertones and a gentle honey note. The oak influence is present but measured, letting the rye grain drive the flavor.

Finish: Clean and warming, with a medium-to-long fade of lingering black pepper and dry oak. The non-chill filtration contributes a slightly fuller mouthfeel that carries the spice well past the last sip.

How to Drink Templeton Straight Rye

At 90 proof and non-chill filtered, this rye rewards neat pours and opens up nicely with a single ice cube or a few drops of water to soften the pepper. Its high rye content and bold spice profile make it a natural cocktail backbone:

• Manhattan: The 95% rye mashbill provides the backbone and spice that classic Manhattans demand, standing up firmly against sweet vermouth.
• Sazerac: The pronounced black pepper and baking spice complement absinthe and Peychaud's bitters without being overwhelmed.
• Old Fashioned: The underlying caramel-vanilla sweetness balances well against sugar and bitters, while the rye spice keeps the drink from turning cloying.

Best For

• Rye whiskey enthusiasts seeking a non-chill filtered, no-additive straight rye expression
• Crafting spirit-forward classic cocktails like Manhattans and Sazeracs at home
• Gifting to a whiskey drinker who appreciates bold, grain-driven American whiskey
• Side-by-side tastings comparing MGP-sourced rye expressions from different brands

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Templeton Straight Rye taste like? Templeton Straight Rye leads with assertive rye grain spice, black pepper, and baking spice, balanced by vanilla, caramel sweetness, and dry toasted oak. The non-chill filtered process gives it a fuller body than many ryes at this proof point.

How does Templeton Straight Rye compare to Bulleit Rye? Both are distilled at MGP using the same 95% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill and both are bottled at 90 proof. Templeton Straight Rye differentiates itself with a stated minimum four-year age, non-chill filtration, and no added flavoring — factors that generally contribute a fuller texture and more developed oak character.

Is Templeton Straight Rye good for cocktails? The 95% rye mashbill and 90-proof strength make it exceptionally well-suited for spirit-forward cocktails where you want the rye to assert itself rather than disappear behind mixers. Manhattans, Sazeracs, and rye Old Fashioneds are its strongest applications.

Where is Templeton Straight Rye made? The whiskey is distilled at the MGP distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then transported to Templeton, Iowa, where it is aged, blended, and bottled. The brand takes its name from the small Iowa town known for its Prohibition-era rye whiskey tradition.

What foods pair well with Templeton Straight Rye? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the rye spice complements smoke and fat; sharp aged cheddar, which mirrors the whiskey's bold grain character; dark chocolate with sea salt, echoing the cocoa and pepper notes; pecan pie, balancing sweetness against the dry oak finish; and charcuterie with cured salami and grainy mustard.

What sizes does Templeton Straight Rye come in? The standard bottle is the 750ml format reviewed here. Templeton also typically offers a 375ml half-bottle and a 1-liter size depending on market availability.

Is Templeton Straight Rye worth the price? Templeton Straight Rye positions as a mid-shelf American rye with premium touches — minimum four-year aging, non-chill filtration, and multiple Gold Medal credentials — that push it above entry-level competitors sharing the same MGP mashbill. For drinkers who value transparency in a straight rye designation, it represents solid value in its tier.

Why Templeton Straight Rye?

The "Straight Rye" designation is the key differentiator here: it guarantees a minimum of four years in new charred oak, no added flavoring, and no coloring — a clean departure from the brand's earlier non-straight expressions. Non-chill filtration preserves oils and congeners that contribute to a richer mouthfeel, giving this bottle a textural advantage over many shelf competitors at the same proof. The three medals earned in 2021, including the Double Gold from the San Diego Spirits Competition, confirm that critics have recognized the quality of this particular expression. For anyone building a home bar around rye-forward American whiskey, Templeton Straight Rye delivers an honest, high-rye grain bill with enough oak maturity to work equally well neat or in cocktails.