Templeton Rye Review [In Depth]

Templeton Rye

by: ALEX WANG
Founder, writer

Templeton Rye Details

Distillery: Templeton

Type & Region: Indiana rye bottled in Iowa

Alcohol: 45%

Composition: 95% rye, 5% malted barley

Aged: At least 4 years

Color: 1.0/2.0 on the color scale (deep copper)

Price: $25-35

From the company website:

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 Rye overview

I’m going to try to keep this one short and sweet. Templeton Rye, coming from the sourcer and distiller out of Templeton, Iowa, is a non-chill filtered 4 year old Indiana-distilled rye that’s then bottled in Iowa. You know what, I appreciate the transparency because it’s not a given.

To be totally honest with you, I’m not sure if I could reliably tell the difference between chill filtered and non chill filtered whiskeys. Nonetheless, I still appreciate that they left that stuff in for us to enjoy.

Discover some of the best bourbons under $30

For further context, this 4 year old straight rye is the most affordable rye in Templeton’s Lineup, which also includes 6 year old and 10 year old versions also sourced from MGP / Ross & Squibb. Templeton is also distilling their own whiskey, with their first-ever homemade bourbon released in late 2024. I think the homemade rye will come soon, maybe sometime in 2025 or 2026.

Let’s see what Iowa is up to in this Templeton rye review.

This bottle was provided at no cost. All opinions are still my own.

As an FYI, I bought and use these Glencairn glasses for everything (they’re the best): Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass Set of 6, Set of 4, Set of 2, or just one. Full transparency, this is an affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon.

Templeton Rye smell

I smell honey, white pear, grapefruit, candied fennel and pineapple, some toasted oak, clove, and some toasted pumpernickel. Templeton Rye smells nice, but that’s not surprising because I already have an affinity for Indiana-made rye.

This is not a big and bold rye, but it still has a pleasant and vibrant fragrance and fruitiness that’s approachable and enjoyable. No it won’t knock your socks of or feel like the most developed or rich thing, but that’s still fine and I understand the draw. I don’t always want such an intense experience…and that’s something that I’ve learned to appreciate more as I’ve gotten older.

Learn more about Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve

After swirling and rest I smell darker honey, lychee, white pear, candied pineapple, grapefruit peel, licorice, clove, anise, toasted oak, and a little bit of darker toasted grain. The scents lean more bright and vibrant with some darker honey sweetness and minimal punch or bite, which makes it approachable.

I know rye can be a bit off putting for some, but scent-wise I don’t think this would deter most people. The scents work for me and I think many would enjoy this too.

Templeton Rye taste and aftertaste

I initially taste honey, white pear, asian pear, lychee, candied licorice, and clove, followed by darker toasted oak, anise, and some dark toasted caraway seed. The fruitiness leans more to the white fruits at first, followed by the toasted earthy grains.

Templeton Rye has good variety with bright fruitiness and toasted earthiness with minimal bite. It’s not a big, punchy, and complex rye, more of a gentle and approachable yet still enjoyable flavor.

With hard “chewing”, I taste honey, lychee, grapefruit with the peel, candied pineapple, licorice, clove, anise, toasted oak, and toasted caraway seed with controlled heat. The flavors open up some more with some more sweetness and fruitiness, followed by the contrasting oak and earthiness. It starts one way for a few seconds and then whips over to the other side.

This is where the youth comes through a little bit as it’s not the smoothest transition and it feels like the two sides are battling each other all the time.

Learn more about Miyagikyo Single Malt

The finish leaves honey, white pear, licorice, and candied pineapple up front with tapering down to toasted caraway seed, grapefruit and white pear peel, and licorice.

Templeton Rye is well balanced and tasty. I personally would love more character and fullness from my ryes, but I also recognize that they are not going for that. I have a good idea what Templeton is trying to accomplish and they succeeded with that.

I’ve unfortunately lost some Glencairn’s while in transit, and that made me very sad. So, I wised up and bought this Glencairn Travel Case that comes also comes with 2 glasses so I don’t need to worry so much about them breaking. I think it’s great, and I think you’ll love it too. Seriously, if you already have glasses, protect them.

Consider supporting The Whiskey Shelf and Warehouse H by buying the book via this affiliate link.

Templeton Rye Rating

Templeton Straight Rye is an approachable (I’m a broken record), varied, and overall well crafted rye. Even though I received this as a media sample…well full bottle…I didn’t check the price until I reviewed it. DANG! For sub-$35 (often under $30), it has plenty to offer at a very reasonable price.

The fruitiness, sweetness, and herbalness are decently well developed, and there’s nothing off or “cheap” about it. It’s just good rye whiskey that’s nice and easy to drink without being bland / boring. For under $35, scoop it up for sure if you want an affordable and well made rye for your shelf.

Discover some of the best bourbons under $100

I know Templeton did not have the best reputation in the past for prior shenanigans, but this reboot is a positive return to doing things right and well. If you’re in the market for an affordable rye, then this is one to try again / try for the first time.

Discover some of the best bourbons under $50

Meet the Author: Alex

I have far too much fun writing about whiskey and singlehandedly running The Whiskey Shelf to bring you independent, honest, and useful reviews, comparisons, and more. I’m proudly Asian American and can speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and some Japanese.

There are no sponsors, no media companies, and no nonsense. Support The Whiskey Shelf by Buying Me A Shot.

Shattered glass really sucks, so if you’re on the move, this Glencairn-like stainless steel snifter glass should survive your travels. Full transparency, this is an Amazon affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon.

BrüMate NOS’R, Double-Wall Stainless Steel Whiskey Nosing Glass – 7oz (Matte Black)