Templeton Rye 10 Year Reserve Single Barrel

I decided to try this three weeks ago after having Maker’s Mark BRT-01 and Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength. My wife was out at a friend’s birthday, and I was watching a bad movie adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time with my kids. We had just finished the book, which they enjoyed. The movie was awful, in my opinion, and the book didn't live up to its hype. When she returned, we started watching the Netflix adaptation of Lemony Snicket, also based on a book we’d read. After the kids were asleep, I poured a drink and settled in. The film I chose for myself was Possession, a bizarre 1980s movie that’s hard to find on disc, playing on the horror streamer Shudder. It was about a dissolving marriage for the first hour, then became a creature feature with odd undertones of East/West Berlin and espionage. It felt like a David Lynch film before his fame, compelling but confusing on a first watch, requiring closer examination. All this to say, while I love sipping whisky during a horror movie, I don't always make the best choices then. Templeton 10 is an early-in-the-evening whisky, not a later one. This is mostly because it’s soft, but not weak. I was out of commission for a week and a half with a cold. A COVID test was negative, but the first few nights felt like knives in my throat. I couldn’t sleep. I get throat colds, not chest colds; I can’t swallow or speak, and I lose the ability to smell. It’s a drag, and the only alcohol I consumed was 10% NyQuil. But I’m back now. Tonight, I finished my Bruichladdich Barley Islay 2013, put on Terrifier, and followed the Bruichladdich with a pour of Templeton 10 Year Single Barrel Rye 104 Proof. The proof is noteworthy because it doesn't drink like a 104 proofer; it's more like an 86 proof, which isn't a bad thing. Recovering from my cold, I'm not sure my nose is reliable, but I detect a mellow blend of mint and caramel. It reminds me of skiing to a lodge and having salted caramel Toblerone. On the palate, these aromas turn into flavors of toffee and bergamot. This is for you if Alberta Premium Cask Strength is too intense, if Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye is a bit much, or if Knob Creek Single Barrel Rye feels slightly overpowering. It’s like adding an ice cube that melts but the drink stays at room temperature. It's a deeply satisfying rye, a soothing drink that lulls you to sleep, like a gentle kiss. It’s good and strong, but not overwhelming. It’s like water smoothing a sharp stone. The Stellum was the last high-proof rye I had, and this is superior, though subtler and pricier. The finish isn't as long, but that might not matter. I think the subtlety comes from the aging, as the others lack age statements. I wouldn't necessarily tell you to seek it out, but don't pass it up if you see it. At $85, it’s pricey, and honestly, with current price hikes, I'm about to stop buying at this level and stick to $60 options. I’m tired of paying a premium for good-but-not-great whiskies. I can't guarantee this won't be that for you. But if you're committed, it might surprise you. Now, I must unpause the movie and see how Terrifier ends. I suspect it won't end well, but I've had my dram, and soon enough, this cool, minty pour will lead me to slumber.

It’s been a bit since I last wrote a review. I finished my MBA last month and wanted to try something good, so I decided to buy this 10-year Templeton rye for $90. This is what I anticipated; it’s MGP rye elevated by its age. It tastes almost identical to other distilleries using MGP rye, so if you’ve had the 95/5 rye before, you know the flavor. In my opinion, it’s very good. Since these are single barrels, I expect variations, making it an expensive risk if you get a less desirable bottle. Would I spend $90 on it again? I wish it were closer to $60, but the bottle design is much improved from the older paper label. It would also justify the premium if it were cask strength. Still, for a splurge, it was worth it. 12/19/22

I found this at my local store. I wasn’t familiar with spirits from Iowa. The price was reasonable, and there were only two bottles left. I took a chance and was very pleased with my choice. The aroma was interesting, with notes of vanilla, apple, and floral elements. When I tasted it, I was impressed by how smoothly this liquid went down despite the 104 proof. The rye was also well-executed, offering a mild spice that wasn't overpowering. It was complemented by pleasant notes of nutmeg, honeyed sweetness, and subtle oak. The finish was relatively long and somewhat dry, with hints of caramel/butterscotch. The mouthfeel was slightly oily. In my humble opinion, it was worth the cost considering the experience and quality. I'll definitely savor this one and see how it evolves.

Barrel 3428 Aroma - a very distinctive aromatic profile here. Green apple mixed with mint toothpaste. As it develops, I'm detecting more cocoa powder. A blend of floral notes and spices... like potpourri. Truly unique. Taste - Chocolate is upfront with a nice burst of rye spice. The mid-palate is hit with sweet notes of caramel and honey. A slight dill flavor on the finish. Overall - At 104 proof, the finish lasts longer than anticipated. This is quite a remarkable rye for me, honestly (especially for a 95/5, which I sometimes find a bit harsh). The way this rye transitions between spice and sweetness is fantastic.

The nose begins with creamy, floral rye that has a hint of bubblegum. Toasted oak integrates well with smooth vanilla notes and subtle ripe fruit. The palate is somewhat dry and triggers a burst of pepper and cinnamon, featuring distinct notes of rye spice. Sharp toasted oak is right beside it, layered over creamy undertones. The finish is long and spicy, with the rye lingering until the next sip. Fruit rounds it out as you chew, with toasted oak reminding you of its presence. This is a complete rye spice explosion, and it does it wonderfully. A remarkable whiskey that possesses everything one could desire in a rye.

Nose: very herbal but also sweet. Similar to M10 rye. Palate: great flavor. Strong rye but it’s not hot at all, only spicy. Pretty oily mouthfeel and not much sweetness. Overall, a decent rye I think. Finish: rye lingers a long time but it’s subtle. Not like you breathe fire with some ryes. Overall: well done I think. Not super complex and not overly “rye”. Good finish leaving you to want another sip rather than wait 5 minutes