How to Drink Templeton Rye

Last Updated on: 25th April 2024, 05:30 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Templeton Rye: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this whiskey.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Best used in cocktails due to its sharpness, as recommended by whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
• A simple whiskey tumbler or rocks glass is suitable.
• Flavor notes include honey, vanilla, blueberry, and a gentle warmth with rye spice.
• Ideal for Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned, and Rye and Ginger cocktails.
• Pairs well with barbecue pulled pork, spicy chicken wings, sharp cheddar cheese, dark chocolate, and jalapeño poppers.
• 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.

Best Way to Drink Templeton Rye

The optimal way to drink Templeton Rye is by using it as a base in cocktail recipes, suggests whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

As one devoted customer notes, “It has a lasting sharpness at the end but pleasant initially. There’s a noticeable burn on the lips. It’s fine on its own but shines with Luxardo cherry and Angostura bitters.

While it may not be the most remarkable affordable Rye Whiskey, it has no significant drawbacks.

Templeton Rye delivers a warmth that belies its modest 80-proof and lacks a substantial body, giving it a somewhat thin texture.

Nonetheless, it serves as a viable choice for those looking to craft cocktails without overspending.

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Adding Water

Adding water to the whiskey enhances the tasting experience by bringing out the caramel and oak notes and softening the intensity.

However, it still doesn’t quite reach the level of a premium sipping whiskey.

On the Rocks

Putting ice in the whiskey cools it down and mellows the heat, but it doesn’t bring out any extra flavors.

Glassware Selection

There’s no need for fancy glasses for this drink; a simple whiskey tumbler or rocks glass is perfectly suitable.

Moreover, these glasses are excellent for accommodating large ice cubes, making them an ideal option.

How does it taste?

The nose is gentle and sweet, with a strong honey aroma mixed with vanilla and blueberry.

The Templeton Rye tastes a bit weak, as it’s been watered down to 80 proof.

It begins with a bit of warmth, followed by flavors of rye spice, vanilla, oak, and a light bitter taste from the oak.

The end is quite short, leaving a warm feeling with a bit of a burn and flavors of oak, spice, and a hint of caramel.

Templeton Rye in Cocktails

Low-end rye whiskey can still make some delightful cocktails with just three ingredients.

Here are three simple yet tasty options:

Whiskey Sour

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Rye Whiskey
  • 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
• Instructions:
  • Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
  • Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
  • Optional: Garnish with a cherry or a lemon slice.

Old Fashioned

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Rye Whiskey
  • 1 Sugar Cube (or 1 tsp sugar)
  • 2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Instructions:
  • Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and saturate with bitters.
  • Muddle the sugar and bitters until dissolved.
  • Add ice cubes and the rye whiskey.
  • Stir well and garnish with an orange twist or cherry.

Rye and Ginger

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Rye Whiskey
  • 4-6 oz Ginger Ale
  • Lime wedge for garnish
• Instructions:
  • Fill a highball glass with ice.
  • Pour in the rye whiskey and top with ginger ale.
  • Gently stir and garnish with a lime wedge.

These cocktails are not only easy to make but also bring out the best in a basic rye whiskey, making them perfect for casual gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.

Pairing with Food

Pairing food with a rye whiskey that has a spicy profile can be both fun and delicious.

Here are five casual food pairings that complement the spicy notes of the whiskey:

Barbecue Pulled Pork

• The sweet and smoky flavors of barbecue pulled pork complement the spiciness of the rye whiskey. The richness of the pork balances the heat and boldness of the whiskey, making for a satisfying combination.

Spicy Chicken Wings

• The heat from spicy chicken wings pairs well with the whiskey’s spicy profile. The whiskey can help cut through the spiciness of the wings, while the flavors in both the wings and the whiskey are enhanced.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

• A strong, sharp cheddar cheese can stand up to the bold flavors of a spicy rye whiskey. The creaminess of the cheese can also help to mellow out the whiskey’s heat.

Dark Chocolate

• Dark chocolate, especially with a high cocoa content, can bring out the underlying sweetness in the whiskey while contrasting with its spiciness. This pairing can create a delightful interplay of flavors.

Jalapeño Poppers

• The spicy kick of jalapeño poppers, often filled with cream cheese and sometimes wrapped in bacon, works well with the whiskey’s spiciness. The creaminess of the cheese and the richness of the bacon can soften the whiskey’s sharp edges.

These pairings are ideal for casual settings where the focus is on enjoying simple, flavorful combinations that enhance the experience of sipping a spicy rye whiskey.

Preserving the Bottle

• Store it in a cool area with low light.
• Ensure the bottle is securely closed to avoid oxidation.
• When the content falls below 25%, it’s advisable to use it quickly to preserve its flavor.

About Templeton Rye

• Bottled at 80-proof (40% ABV).
• The mash bill comprises 95% rye and 5% malted barley.
• Templeton Rye is distilled and aged in Indiana by MGP.
• Aged for four years in charred new American oak casks.
• Won Double Gold at the SIP Awards and a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020.