High West Double Rye vs Templeton Rye: Whiskey Comparison

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:54 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Explore disparities between High West Templeton Rye and Templeton Rye in my detailed analysis, and determine your preferred Rye Whiskey!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

High West Double Rye vs Templeton Rye: Comparison

High West Double Rye: Blended rye, ages 2-7 years. Sweet, smooth with honey, cinnamon, and oak flavors. Best on rocks or in cocktails. 46% ABV.

Templeton Rye: Budget-friendly, 95% rye mash bill. Vanilla, oak, and rye spice notes. Short finish with caramel. Ideal for cocktails. 40% ABV.

Verdict: Both offer unique experiences. High West Double Rye excels in sweetness and smoothness. Templeton Rye shines in affordability and cocktail versatility, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Cheap Rye Whiskeys

High West Double Rye: A Smooth and Approachable Rye Experience

Nose: Honeysuckle, oak, cinnamon
Palate: Clover honey, apple cider, mint, oak, cinnamon
Finish: Medium to long, apple pie, rye spice
Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Similar to: High West Rendezvous

Aroma: The High West Double Rye opens with a subtle and sweet aroma, offering hints of oak and cinnamon.

Taste: This rye whiskey boasts a pleasant and buttery texture on the palate. The initial flavor profile leans towards sweetness, followed by a wave of rye spice, mint, and a touch of cinnamon.

Finish: The finish is smooth and leaves a rich aftertaste of rye spice, baking spices, and brown sugar, with a subtle hint of black pepper. It goes down smoothly with a minimal warming sensation.

Overall: While enjoyable neat, adding a drop of water can further enhance the sweetness and elevate the smoothness. The High West Double Rye caters to those who prefer a sweeter rye whiskey with less pronounced spice and a minimal burn.

Key points:

A blend of two straight rye whiskeys aged between 2 and 7 years
Known for its smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and minimal burn

Additional notes:

A good choice for those seeking a rye whiskey that is easy to drink and leans towards sweeter and less spicy profiles.
Interesting for those curious about blended rye whiskeys or the High West brand.

Templeton Rye: A Budget-Friendly Rye for Mixing

Nose: Honey, vanilla, blueberry
Palate: Rye spice, vanilla, oak, oak spice
Finish: Charred oak, oak spice, caramel
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Similar to: Bulleit Rye

Aroma: Templeton Rye opens with a pleasant and inviting nose, offering a smooth and sweet character. Honey, vanilla, and even hints of blueberry create an enjoyable aroma.

Taste: The initial impression on the palate might be slightly disappointing due to the whiskey’s lower proof (80 proof). This can make it feel a bit watered down and lacking in body. Despite a touch of initial heat, the flavor profile presents notes of rye spice, oak, and some vanilla sweetness.

Finish: The finish is short and includes a slight warming sensation with hints of oak spice, charred oak character, and a touch of caramel. Adding a small amount of water can help enhance the caramel and oak notes while potentially reducing the perceived heat.

Overall: While not the most complex or exciting rye whiskey, Templeton Rye offers a decent and affordable option. Its lower proof makes it more suitable for mixing cocktails on a budget rather than for sipping neat.

Key points:

Mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley
Aged for four years in charred new American oak casks
Bottled at 80 proof
Earned Double Gold at the SIP Awards and a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020

Additional notes: