a buddy recently gave me a bottle of templeton rye. it’s a very tasty rye whiskey that comes in a class bottle you’ll want to keep on the front of your bar! the design is not quite as cool as 13th colony bottle design, but it’s on par.

legend has it, templeton rye was al capone’s drink of choice and popular at speakeasies during prohibition. although the legitimacy of their story has recently been called into question. besides all of that, the rye was very smooth and enjoyable. it has a dark amber color and a good bit of spiciness.

the only drawback to templeton is it’s only 80 proof, which is similar to a vodka. i’ve gotten used to drinking 100 proof rittenhouse and 92 proof redemption, so 80 proof doesn’t quite pack the punch in an old fashioned for me. it does make it smooth and easier to drink on the rocks though, so if that’s your thing you’ll totally love it.

the other drawback it it’s price. templeton is a good $10-$15 more per bottle than rittenhouse, redemption and bulleit. with that being said, i don’t know if i will restock when the bottle runs out.

– ryan