We recently hosted some of our friends from Wirtz Beverage in Templeton. They were treated to a uniquely Iowa experience complete with golf carts, apple pie and bowling. You can see some highlights of the visit here:

Dick Prall performing at Rock & Rye

The second annual Rock & Rye Summer Music Festival was held on Saturday, August 8th in Templeton, Iowa, and was a great success. The day started at the Templeton Rye distillery with a fermentation and distillation demonstration by Assistant Master Distiller Keith Kerkhoff and distillery tours led by TR Founder & President Scott Bush. Guests were treated to a BBQ lunch prepared by award winning BBQ team the Woodfellas and wonderful beer, including Templeton Rye barrel aged products from Court Avenue Brewery and Rock Bottom Brewery. Local Carroll County winery Santa Maria was on hand as well.

The festival featured a variety of great musical acts. The Nadas played a terrific acoustic set in the distillery on a stage constructed from used whiskey barrels. Outside, Brian Joens played a great acoustic set and was followed by the lively and talented brass swing band The Prairie Cats. Fans rushed to see local favorites Aged Spirits perform their own rock version of Templeton Rye by The Nadas. Dick Prall wowed with a incredible set, and Hairball left no doubt that they came to rock the house. It was a great day in Templeton.

Scott & Keith explaining fermentation and distillation to guests.

Fans enjoying The Nadas in barrel warehouse.

A view of the stage from above.

Fans beginning to arrive.

Kevin and Scott with a member of Hairball.

Hairball being introduced by their biggest fan (Kevin Boersma).

Festival attendees rocking out to Hairball.

Join us this Saturday, August 8th, for the 2nd Annual Summer Music Festival brought to you by your friends at the Templeton Community Betterment Association and Templeton Rye Whiskey. This year’s lineup will feature The Nadas, Manning’s own Brian Joens, The Prairie Cats, Aged Spirits, Dick Prall and the world’s ultimate “80’s Rock” impersonation act, Hairball. Listen to what Templeton Rye President Scott Bush had to say about the upcoming event in a recent interview with Jenna from SingleMalt.TV in this video. See full schedule of events below.

Tickets are available for $20 each at the Templeton Rye Distillery or online at the Templeton Rye store. After purchasing your tickets, you will receive a wristband in the mail. Shipping is free for this item. Only 2,000 tickets will be sold for this event. PLEASE NOTE: Tuesday, August 4, is the last day we can mail out tickets. You may still purchase your tickets online and pick them up at the door (Will Call) at the distillery.

Schedule of Events:

12pm: Pre-party for ticketed concert goers at the Templeton Rye Distillery, including all access tours, refreshments and award winning BBQ prepared by Woodfellas from Ankeny, Iowa. There will also be samples of various Iowa products including Santa Maria wines and Award Winning 21st Amendment Ale produced by Court Avenue Brewery in Des Moines and aged in used Templeton Rye barrels.

2pm: Acoustic performance by The Nadas in the distillery featuring hit songs Templeton Rye and Goodnight Girl.

3pm: Beer garden opens at concert site adjacent to distillery. All proceeds benefit the Templeton Community Betterment Association.

4pm: Manning’s own Brian Joens performs a grab bag of Americana, bluegrass and tremelo-laden musings about classic rock dinosaurs, outhouses, stray dogs and roads (dirt and paved), all with his unique Iowa perspective.

5pm: The Prairie Cats are an 8-piece band hailing from Omaha that deliver an all-original “pop-swing” mix of jump-blues, big band, rockabilly, latin and bop, delivered in an all-out rock attack.

6:30pm: Aged Spirits is a Templeton based band playing a mix of classic rock and blues. Joining the band is special guest Katie Klocke, also a Templeton native.

7:30pm: With a deft pop sensibility, Chicago-based singer/songwriter Dick Prall sings about the good, bad, and fugly moments he’s encountered in life and relationships, turning them into subtle parables that linger longer on the heart and go deeper than most surface-bound pop hits.

9:00pm: Hairball is the world’s ultimate “80’s Rock” impersonation act, recreating the good-time party atmosphere of the decadent decade with unmatched authenticity. They cop the personas of the era’s legendary front men while rapidly changing elaborate costumes, then complete their transformations with dead-on visual and vocal performances.

Please plan ahead and travel safely to and from this event. Hotels are available in nearby Carroll, Iowa.

We recently welcomed several teams of riders from Iowa’s big bike ride across Iowa to our BootLEG Tour at the Templeton Rye distillery. We really enjoy this unique event, and it’s a great way to welcome folks to Iowa and showcase our state and people. Many thanks to everyone who came by for some tours and fun, and all our best to the riders for a fun and safe ride across our great state.

The Green City Market is Chicago’s only year-round farmers’ market promoting local, sustainable farmers, producers and chefs. Last night I joined over 75 of Chicago’s most innovative chefs at the Green City Market Annual Chef’s BBQ in Lincoln Park. It was a celebration of all things local, from farm to plate.

The chefs shopped the market Wednesday morning, and then went back to their kitchens in a giant tailgate-like setup to create the freshest dishes in the city. Chef Rick Gresh from David Burke’s Prime House even included a little of The Good Stuff in his dish. All of his ingredients originated from less than a thousand miles from Chicago. He started with dry aged prime ribeye, topped with fingerling potatoes combined with Templeton Rye to make a warm potato salad. It was amazing!

While the chefs were busy firing up the grills, I was busy with 3 of the top mixologists in Chicago batching cocktails. BOKA’s Dan De Oliveira and Sepia’s Josh Pearson and Peter Vestinos all volunteered to create special cocktails for TR, Death’s Door Spirits and Casa Noble Tequila. Josh from Sepia created a Templeton Rye cocktail called the R&R Smash, which included fresh-pitted cherries supplied by Pete from Seedling Fruits in South Haven, Michigan.

R&R Smash Templeton Rye:
Templeton Rye
pitted cherries
rosemary leaves
lemon balm leaves
lemon juice
simple syrup

BOKA’s Dan De Oliveira and Sepia’s Josh Pearson and Peter Vestinos making the R&R Smash cocktail

The event was a huge success and we made lots of new fans. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and said hello and who are embracing the “farm to table” movement.

Cheers,

Michael Killmer, Brand Manager

The Templeton Rye team recently welcomed a group of bartenders from Ames to the tour the distillery. Our visitors consisted of folks from Es Tas, Legends, Mickey’s Irish Pub and Thumbs. They toured the distillery and learned a lot about the history of Templeton Rye, dating back to the Prohibition Era. They also received a cocktail tutorial featuring the Classic Manhattan and TR’s own Shirley Templeton. After the VIP tour, the group had a great lunch at Templeton’s own Corner Station and went on a tour of the town. We invite all of you to check out one of these great bars the next time you are in the Ames area.

If you have a bar that is interested in a tour of our facility, please email us at info@templetonrye.com.

Templeton Rye was a proud sponsor for the 2nd year in a row of the Mods vs. Rockers vintage motorcycle and scooter rally in Chicago on June 20th. The rally is based at Delilah’s, the world famous whiskey bar. Below are some highlights:

This is the last of our 4-part Happy Hour at The Plaza TR story videos series. In this video, the residents share a few more memories about Templeton Rye during the prohibition era and raise their glasses to The Good Stuff.

Want to see more videos? Please visit our YouTube channel.

Last night I had the pleasure of sponsoring a BBQ book release party for one of Chicago’s famous BBQ experts Gary Wiviott. Paramount Room  (415 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL) graciously hosted the event.  Paramount Room featured classic cocktails made with Templeton Rye, along with Paramount’s own creations The Daisy and the Carroll County Fair Sour.  

Gary teamed up with author Colleen Rush to share his impeccable attention to detail and his gift for keeping it simple.  Colleen waded through Gary’s boisterous personality and helped breakdown his methods and expertise.  This book breaks down the basic techniques of BBQ and will make any novice into a pro.  Gary also shares some of is time tested recipes for sauce, rubs and all things BBQ. It was a great night and I had the opportunity to talk with some of Chicago’s media and some of Gary’s companions at LTH Forum.  

I think everyone is excited for warm weather BBQ and refreshing Templeton Rye drinks this summer.  Please feel free to create some of your own cocktails this summer and share them with us.  Bartenders all over the country are enjoying the spicy notes of Templeton and combining them with fresh and interesting ingredients.  

Happy tippling,

Michael Killmer, Brand Manager

Photo courtesy of the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market Facebook Page

The Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market kicks off this Saturday, May 2nd with Opening Day at the Historic Court Avenue District. The Downtown Farmers Market goes rain or shine every Saturday 7 a.m. - noon, May 2nd through October 31st, 2009. You can expect to see nearly 200 vendors from 47 counties at the Farmers Market this year.

Templeton Rye is excited to return to the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market again this season. You can find our booth at the Farmers Market on the following Saturdays: May 23rd, June 13th, June 20th, June 27th, July 11th, August 15th and September 12th. Be sure to stop by and say “hello” to the Templeton Rye team.

We’re excited to be a part of this great event. Templeton Rye President Scott Bush will be a guest judge at Cochon 555 in Des Moines, Iowa, this Sunday, April 19th.

WHAT: A group of Iowa chefs will each prepare a heritage breed hog from head to toe for this competition. Cochon 555 is the only national chef competition promoting heritage pigs and breed diversity and is currently on a ten city tour. Guests and professional judges will determine a winner based on creative, classic preparation and overall best flavor. The winner will be crowned the “Prince of Porc”. In addition, five family-owned wineries will showcase their wines. The event is presented by Diversified Financial Group, Inc.

WHO: Taste Network presents
Andrew Meek, Sage
Matt Steigerwald, Lincoln Café
Jamie Monaghan, The Des Moines Embassy Club
Tag Grandgeorge, Le Jardin
Bill Overdyke, Centro

Wineries: Elk Cove, Patz & Hall, Lioco, Four Vines and Jasper Winery

WHEN: Sunday, April 19th, 5:00 p.m.
Chef & Judges Reception 3:30 p.m. For VIP ticket information contact: brady@tastenetwork.com.

The VIP features the reserve wines of Elk Cove and artisan cheese reception by Gateway Market with special guest Herb Eckhouse of La Querica, this portion is $125.

WHERE: STICKS 3631 SW 61st Street, Des Moines.

WHY: To benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Iowa Chapter in honor of Will Krueger.

HOW: For Friends and Family of Iowa the cost is $80 per person. This is an exclusive price to those who are involved in “preserving and revitalizing the flavors of the heartland.” Advance ticket purchase required for this discount. Password: buylocal

Hi folks,

We wanted to say thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and came to see my presentation at WhiskeyFest. It was a great week for Templeton Rye in Chicago, and we really appreciate all of the enthusiasm and support. We are just getting started, and every bit of encouragement is a big deal to us.

Our team had a long week, but we really enjoyed the time we spent with fans, friends, bartenders and fellow distillers. Also, thank you to our friends at Malt Advocate for putting together another tremendous event.

All the best,

Scott Bush
President, Templeton Rye

Last night we attended an event hosted by our friends at Binnys. We had a great time pouring for folks and catching up with some of our friends in the industry. There are a lot of really cool whiskies being developed right now.

The best part about last night was that Master Distiller Meryl Kerkhoff and wife Imelda arrived in town. They joined Keith and I at Binnys, and then our team all went to dinner at Ditka’s. Iron Mike was a coach for the Cowboys when Keith played so we got to hear several of the old training camp stories and how guys used to smoke at halftime back then.

After Ditka’s we went and watched our friends Hello Dave at Stanley’s (Jason even sang a song) and then for a nightcap or two at the Drawing Room where Templeton Rye is featured in their Manhattan. It was a great end to a great night. Below are some pictures of our evening.

Cheers,
Scott Bush
President, Templeton Rye

Meryl sharing secrets with Jimmy Russell from Russell’s Reserve

Keith and Scott with our friend David Perkins from Rendezvous Rye

The TR team at Mike Ditka’s Restaurant

On Sunday evening we attended the very first 3rd Coast Cocktail Club at Bar DeVille. The idea is for top bartenders in Chicago to hang out and talk with suppliers in a low-key environment. Low-key fits us well, and Keith, Killmer and I met and talked with a ton of big-time industry folks here in Chicago. The enthusiasm for Templeton Rye and Iowa was tremendous and meant a lot to us. Honestly, we were a little overwhelmed.

After the event we had dinner with some friends at Cordis Brothers Supper Club, a great spot on Irving Park and then hung out and listened to some music at the Long Room.

Cheers,
Scott Bush
President, Templeton Rye

Last night I trekked over to Galena, IL, for the Wine Lovers Weekend celebration where I set up the Classic Cocktail bar and shared a little of The Good Stuff with the sold-out, 600+ crowd. The Old Fashioned was popular as usual and the Shirley Templeton was on fire, which was appropriate because I met a really cool lady who’s name is actually Shirley Templeton.

It was a great event and a beautiful city. I just wish I did not sit parked on I-90 for 40 minutes on the way home.

Cheers! Stay tuned for more whiskey week updates, and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter: @Killmer

Michael Killmer, Brand Manager

We just finished giving a Virtual Distillery Tour to our friends at In Fine Spirits, 5420 N Clark Street in Andersonville.  

Scott and I with our friends at In Fine Spirits: Shane, Jill, Paul and Johnny

Tonight, Scott and I taught 35-40 of our closest friends about the history of Templeton, Iowa, walked them through production of Templeton Rye, and a classic cocktail demonstration.  We were pleased with the turnout and overwhelmed with the enthusiasm for Templeton Rye. In attendance were a couple of friendly faces from past events and a lot of new fans - everyone walked away happy.

We did a simple tasting of White Dog (unaged TR) Templeton Rye, tastes of the Sazerac cocktail, The Capone, and master mixologist Benjamin ended with a full Manhattan served straight up with a healthy shot of bitters and good swirl of Antica Carpona sweet vermouth. Tonight was a great kick off to an event-filled week with a crescendo happening on April Fool’s day for Malt Advocate’s Whisky Fest Chicago. Chicago has completely embraced this event, and distillers from all over the world embark on Chicago for the week surrounding Whisky Fest.

I invite you and your friends to join us at one of the many upcoming Templeton Rye events in Chicago this week. Check out the itinerary below:

Friday, March 27th
Classic Cocktail Bar at Galena Wine Lovers Weekend
Galena, IL

Saturday, March 28th
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Classic Cocktail Bar at Junior League Poker Night (Germania Place)

Sunday, March 29th
Sunday Funday (first ever) at 3rd Coast Cocktail Club
Chicago bartenders contact Killmer

Monday, March 30th
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tasting Event at 1 North Kitchen and Bar (1 North Wacker Drive)
Whiskey tasting: Enjoy a sample from distilleries around the world.
RSVP: Call Don - 312-750-9700

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Rye Education at 5-Star (1424 W. Chicago Ave.)
Guests will learn about the history of rye whiskey from Mt. Vernon to today, as well as the benefits and challenges of working with this unique grain. Templeton Rye founders Scott Bush and Keith Kerkhoff will be on hand to discuss the unique history of Templeton Rye ranging from humble beginning during Prohibition, to great fame as the center of the Capone bootlegging empire, to near obscurity, to an award winning brand today.
RSVP: info@fivestarbar.com

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Classic Cocktail Demonstration at Fizz Bar & Grill (3220 N. Lincoln)
A representative from Templeton Rye will be on hand to discuss the history of this great American brand and the proper method for making various classic cocktails made famous in the speakeasies of America - including the classics traditionally made with rye whiskey: the Manhattan, the Old Fashioned and the Sazerac.
RSVP: 773-348-6088

12:00 am - 2:00 am
American Whiskey Night at Delilah’s
Pouring Templeton from Midnight to 2 am. Come out and hang with the Templeton crew and rock til closing time!

Tuesday, March 31st
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Whiskies of the world at Binnys South Loop

For a breakdown of all WhiskeyWeek Chicago 2009 events, visit maltadvocate.com

Cheers!

Michael Killmer
Brand Manager at Templeton Rye

We’re excited to be a part of WhiskeyFest Chicago again this year. If you’re attending, stop by and say hello - you’ll be able to find us at the events noted below. Also, Templeton Rye President Scott Bush will be a featured Whiskyfest speaker. Click here for more information.

Wednesday, April 1st
WhiskyFest 2009
Chicago, IL
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Whiskyfest at Grand Hyatt
11:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Delilah’s / Bottom Lounge

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.

Templeton Rye Whiskey invites restaurant and bar staffs to spend a day with our team and learn all about the production, history and intricacies of Templeton Rye.

Check out the highlights from the Full Court Press’ visit to the Templeton Rye distillery. For more information or to make a reservation for your staff, please email us at staffvisit@templetonrye.com.

Jeff and Jamie Schug of Johnston, Iowa, recently enjoyed the Ultimate Templeton Experience with a group of close friends: Maggie and Steve Jackson, Brenda and Bill Maly and Nicole and Rob Beaman.

Their day began at the Renaissance Savery Hotel in Des Moines, where they were picked up in the Templeton Rye bus and transported to Templeton for a VIP distillery tour, including a chance to label a bottle of The Good Stuff.

In addition to the tour, the group also enjoyed a great lunch at The Corner Station, a classic cocktail demonstration and a driving tour of historic Templeton (which turned into quite an adventure when the bus got stuck in the snow). The trip back to Des Moines included stops at Chuck’s Place in Coon Rapids and Tojo’s in Jamaica. “Team Schug” reports that their group had a fabulous time during their visit to Templeton.

Pictured, from left to right: Brenda and Bill Maly, Jamie and Jeff Schug, Nicole and Rob Beaman, Maggie and Steve Jackson

The Ultimate Templeton Experience is a great way to escape from the cold weather, stay warm with friends and learn a little about Templeton’s history. If you’re interested in this one-of-a-kind adventure, you can email us at templetonexperience@templetonrye.com and book a date. We have a potential opening coming up on Saturday, February 14th, if you’re looking for something unique to do on Valentine’s Day!

Running after the bus.