Rittenhouse Rye vs Templeton Rye: Which Wins?

Discover the differences between the Rittenhouse Rye vs Templeton Rye in this in-depth comparison and decide which Rye Whiskey is better for You!

Rittenhouse Rye

Nose	Rye spice, vanilla, oak
Palate	Ripe fruit, nutty, citrus
Finish	Long, Citrus, pecan
Alcohol content	100 proof (50% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks, cocktails
Similar to	Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Knob Creek Rye

The Rittenhouse carries only over the minimum of 51% of rye grain in its mash making it a “barely legal” Rye Whiskey. This makes it less spicy than whiskies that take the rye content to the max.

Aroma is light with vanilla, oak, spice, a citrus note coming behind and just a whiff of ethanol.

Palate is fruity up-front, low in rye spice, with a nice nutty hint and citrus notes along a good hit of baking spice.

Finish is surprisingly long and buttery, providing good warmth throughout.

This is not the smoothest 100 proof whiskey as it burns a bit, but the overall flavor profile makes up for it. Adding a dash of water tunes down the Rittenhouse Rye making it easier to sip.

Overall, the Rittenhouse is not too complex and a bit burny, low in rye spice, great quality and flavorful making an easy drinker and an even better mixer as the high proof will add a nice kick to your Old Fashioned.

This whiskey is a no-brainer due to its well tasting flavor profile and it affordable price making it the top affordable rye whiskey to buy!

There are a few facts worth knowing about the Rittenhouse Rye:

• Aged for 4 years in charred oak barrels.

• “North American Whiskey of the Year” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

• Earned a score of 94 points from Wine Enthusiast.

• “Best North American Whisky” by Whisky Magazine.

• “Best Buy Whisky of the Year” by Whisky Advocate.

• Crafted at the Heaven Hill Distillery, along Evan Williams and Elijah Craig.

Templeton Rye

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, Sazerac Rye

As opposed to the Rittenhouse that is low in rye the Templeton is made from a mash composed of 95% rye providing a rich spicy note that sits quite well in cocktails.

The nose is quite smooth and sweet with a pleasing honey aroma, followed by a note of vanilla and blueberry.

On the palate, the Templeton Rye feels thin as it has been watered-down to 80 proof. Flavor hits with a bit of heat at first, that gives way to rye spice, vanilla, oak with a light bitter note coming from the oak spice.

The finish is short, with a warming note to it as it burns a bit on the way down, with notes of oak char, oak spice and a tad of caramel.

Adding water makes it a bit better as it releases caramel and oak while tuning down the heat.

Not the most interesting whiskey but nothing wrong about it. It’s a bit warmer than what the low proof suggests and lacks in body as it feels watery but becomes handy for those looking to make cocktails on a budget.

There are a few facts worth knowing about the Templeton Rye:

• The mash bill is comprised of 95% rye and 5% malted barley.

• Templeton Rye is distilled and aged in Indiana, by MGP utilizing a recipe shared with other brands (Angel’s Envy, Bulleit, George Dickel, Whistlepig among others).

• Aged for 4 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 in 2020.

Rittenhouse Rye vs Templeton Rye: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Rittenhouse Rye	$22
Templeton Rye	$29

Rittenhouse Rye vs Templeton Rye: Which is better?

The Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey is a nicer drinker than the Templeton

Whiskey	Rittenhouse Rye	Templeton Rye
Nose	✅	✅
Body	✅
Palate	✅
Finish	✅
Value	✅	✅

• The Rittenhouse is a champ in terms of value as it has tasting notes and a body hard to expect in a whiskey at this price range.

• It’s a bit warm, but the flavor profiles makes up for it entirely providing a nice tasty sipper.

• Tune it down with a drop of water or add a large ice cube and enjoy.

• The Templeton has its merits, though, as its rich spicy character makes Old Fashioneds more enjoyable that when made with a bourbon.