Virginia “Gin” Knobbe is one of the original Templeton Rye bottlers and the quiet leader of the group. Gin was born on October 27th and worked as a telephone operator prior to joining Templeton Rye.

Gin enjoys bowling and playing cards. She also is a volunteer teacher of “Speak Up” at Adams Elementary School. Gin lists her father as her hero and is most likely to be found at home on a Saturday afternoon. She enjoys steak and her favorite way to drink Templeton Rye is in an Old Fashioned. Gin recalls her dad telling her about a farmer who had and old high-wheeled wagon parked in the middle of his yard that had three barrels of Templeton Rye stored in it. The Reveneurs came to investigate the farmer but could not find a still or any of The Good Stuff. They proceeded to have a long visit with the farmer prior to departing, leaning up against the wagon the whole time.

Gin’s favorite piece of advice is “Do onto others as you would have others do onto you.”

Sandra Hines talks about her memories of Templeton Rye growing up in Carroll, Iowa, and how the telephone operators would warn the local tavern owners of raids during the prohibition era.

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We’re pleased to offer the perfect getaway for couples who are looking for something unique and memorable to do this Valentine’s Day. Grab your loved one and visit our distillery to experience an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the history of Templeton Rye.

Templeton Rye distillery tours include a guided walk through our new barrel warehouse, bottling line, grand tasting room and gift shop. The distillery will be open for tours from 9 am - noon on Saturday, February 14th.

Please e-mail kevin@templetonrye.com to secure your spot or for more details.

If you’re interested in booking a group getaway for Valentine’s Day, contact us about the Ultimate Templeton Experience by e-mailing us at templetonexperience@templetonrye.com.

Larry Brunning talks about his uncle who used to bootleg Templeton Rye into Chicago.

View more stories on YouTube at our Templeton Rye channel.

Got a TR story of your own to share? Please leave a comment below, or click here to tell us all about it.

Anna Mae or “Annie” and her husband, Mox, are two of the original Templeton Rye employees. Annie lights up the distillery with her easy smile and warm personality.

Annie lists her hobbies as taking care of her 20 grandkids, gardening, canning and baking. Annie says her mother is her hero and the one person alive or dead that she would like to have dinner with is her husband “Moxie.”

Annie’s favorite colors are red, white and blue, and you are most likely to find her at home or in church on a Saturday afternoon. Her favorite food is chicken with a baked potato and her favorite way to drink The Good Stuff is with Coke on ice.

Annie’s favorite quote is “mind over matter” and “hang in there, through thick and thin.”