Tasted, tested and approved
On October 9, 2008, we rolled out a dozen barrels in Templeton to pull samples for tasting, testing and inventory. We proof tested the strength of the whiskey and tasted a sample from each barrel. The whiskey has been aging for roughly two-and-a-half years and is well on its way to becoming what you’d expect from Templeton Rye.
Templeton Rye Brand Manager Michael Killmer rolls out the barrels of whiskey.
Distillery Manager Kevin Boersma proof tests one of the barrels.
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Can’t wait until this hits the stores.
A couple questions for the experts: Are there ever stark flavor changes from batch to batch? I’ve only ever had bottles from batch 2, that’s why I ask. . . Does any flavor change occur once in-bottle? Is there any motivation to ‘cellar’ a bottle (short of having one down the road if I can’t get my hands on it later)?
October 30th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Hi friend. Thank you very much for the comment.
There are certainly some differences between batches, but we would not use the word “stark.” Each batch would use the same mash bill and ingredients and would be fermented, distilled and stored in the same way. The small differences would arise from the underlying grain in the mash and the storage position. As I know all too well, crops change year-to-year based on weather, moisture, planting and harvesting time, etc. Also, there are some slight changes from barrel to barrel depending on what level of the barrel house that particular barrel was stored.
Templeton Rye is stored from 4-5 years in charred, new white oak barrels from Missouri. Whiskey gets its color – as well as some of its flavor – from moving in and out of the layer of char in these barrels. Iowa’s seasons are ideal for aging whiskey as it gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Barrels are stored in vertical racks and the temperature will vary slightly depending on the height at which each barrel is stored. This can lead to slight variations in taste and, believe it or not, proof.
As for your second question, unlike wine, there is not a change in whiskey flavor after being in the bottle. Of course there can be reasons to store away a bottle. As you know, all of our bottles are hand-numbered and we have had folks buy a bottle for their young kids to store away and give to them as a gift when they turn 21.
Thanks again for the message and be sure to look out for Batch 3, which is coming soon.
Keith Kerkhoff, Assistant Master Distiller
November 17th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Intersting. I noticed a difference from Batch 1 to Batch 2. Batch 1 was full-bodied with deep richness of flavor. Batch 2, on the other hand, while still good, was thinner & lacked the previous luciousness of #1, almost like you cut it a bit to increase production volume.
Hope you can return to the Batch 1 beginnings!
November 19th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Hi Rebecca, thank you for your comment. As you probably know, whiskey is cut to the precise proof on the bottle and filtered after it is removed from the barrel. All of our Batches are from the same recipe and bottled at the same proof. There can be very minor difference between batches as discussed by Keith above. Thanks again! -Scott