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.

Templeton Rye President Scott Bush and Master Distiller Meryl Kerkhoff

Eighty years ago, when bootleg Templeton Rye was in the height of its
production, a very important event happened in tiny Templeton, Iowa. Our
Master Distiller, Meryl Kerkhoff, was born and started a course of
history that would eventually bring The Good Stuff to your glass.

A large group of friends and family came together at the VFW in Manning,
Iowa on Saturday night to celebrate. There was plenty of Templeton Rye
being poured, as well as the traditional cold sandwiches, potato salad,
beans, baked goods and enough birthday cake for the entire town.
Meryl is a living treasure for our company and everyone who knows him.
Happy Birthday, Meryl!

Pictured from left to right: Distillery Manager Kevin Boersma, President Scott Bush, Master Distiller Meryl Kerkhoff, Assistant Master Distiller Keith Kerkhoff and Creative Director Jason Walsmith

Pictured from left to right: (front) Dan Kerkhoff, Scott Kerkhoff, Ron Kerkhoff (back) Keith Kerkhoff, Mary Bertelsen, Imelda Kerkhoff, Meryl Kerkhoff and Marty Kerkhoff

All aboard! On Wednesday, November 26th, we’ll be cruising through Des Moines in the new Templeton Rye shuttle bus for our first annual Thanksgiving Tour of Des Moines. We’re honored to have such loyal supporters, so this is our way of saying “thanks” for another great year.

The TR shuttle bus will be making special stops throughout the Des Moines metro area, providing groups of up to 12 people a sweet getaway from the monotonous “day-before-Thanksgiving” workday. In case you want to get an early jump on your holiday shopping, we’ll have Templeton Rye merchandise available for purchase. But let’s get one thing straight: This isn’t about selling you stuff, it’s about meeting you all and saying thank you.

Want us to add your workplace to the route? All you need to do is round up a dozen people from your office who love Templeton Rye as much as you do, and ask them to take a short break from work to hang out on the TR shuttle bus. Once you’ve got your group confirmed, please e-mail us at info@templetonrye.com with your location and we will add you to the route!

For those of you interested in an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the history of Templeton Rye, we are now offering The Ultimate Templeton Experience: an exclusive trip for groups of up to 20 people aboard our private TR shuttle bus. We’ll pick up your guests at a designated meeting spot, provide transportation to and from Templeton, Iowa, and treat your group to lunch and refreshments — both aboard the bus and at the distillery.

The experience is perfect for groups of friends or corporate outings, and can be customized to include any of the following activities:

Please e-mail us at templetonexperience@templetonrye.com for more details and available dates.

On December 5, 1933, the United States Congress repealed the Prohibition Act, restoring Americans the freedom to enjoy their spirits again — legally, that is. On Friday, December 5th, Iowans all over the state will celebrate the end of the “Noble Experiment,” as coined by fellow Iowan Herbert Hoover.

We’re teaming up with the following bars to sponsor Prohibition Repeal Parties:

Sweet Fanny’s - Sioux City, Iowa
CJ’s Bar and Grill - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Jameson’s - Waterloo, Iowa
Royal Mile - Des Moines, Iowa
Depot Lounge - Grinnell, Iowa
Legend’s Bar and Grill - Ames, Iowa
Short’s Burgers & Shine - Iowa City, Iowa
Silver Dollar Saloon - McGregor, Iowa
Pastimes Bar & Grill - Huxley, Iowa
Vito’s Bistro - Iowa City, Iowa
Mac’s Tavern - Davenport, Iowa
Beckett’s Public House - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
11th Street Precinct - Davenport, Iowa
Swamp Fox Pub & Grille - Knoxville, Iowa
Barley’s - Council Bluffs, Iowa
Uncle Buck’s - Ottumwa, Iowa
Whitey’s - Manning, Iowa

These modern-day speakeasies will feature Templeton Rye drink specials and select guests will receive Templeton Rye flasks, t-shirts and other items. Come out and join us!

Full Court Press group visits the Templeton Rye tasting room

In October, we embarked on our maiden voyage in the new Templeton Rye shuttle bus, bringing along the owners and staff from Full Court Press for a VIP distillery tour. Full Court Press operates several of the coolest and most unique bars in Des Moines, including The Royal Mile, The Red Monk, Shorty’s, High Life Lounge, Hessen Haus and Buzzard Billy’s. The trip was a chance for the whole gang to learn more about the history of Templeton Rye and the production, aging and bottling process.

Our brand new Templeton Rye shuttle bus

Our day included a tour of the distillery, a classic cocktail demonstration in the tasting room, and lunch at the Corner Station (the local diner that also serves as a convenience store / gas station). We then headed north to Maple Valley Junction to Little Gus’s for some post-lunch beers and good times.

If you are interested in a tour of the TR distillery, please visit our tours page for dates and times.

In September, we welcomed some friends from our Illinois distributor Judge & Dolph to spend a day in Templeton, Iowa. This included lunch at The Corner Station, a tour of the distillery and a “Templeton style” scavenger hunt.

We filmed part of our day, which can be viewed in the video below:

You may view more of our videos on YouTube by visiting the Templeton Rye channel.

The Templeton Rye team has been hard at work filling up the calendar with events for September, so celebrate the kids going back to school and join us this month.

Jameson’s Public House
Date: Thursday, Sept 4th
Location: Jameson’s, 310 East 4th St, Waterloo, IA

Join TR President Scott Bush, Brand Manager Michael Killmer and various celebrity bartenders at the famous Jameson’s pub. They will be preparing various classic Templeton Rye cocktails during the evening and then heading to the Hub for the Nadas show.

Call 319-233-0701 for more information.

Gatsby Gala at the Salisbury House
Date: Friday, Sept 5th
Location: Salisbury House, Des Moines, IA

Templeton Rye will be supporting the annual Gatsby Gala at the beautiful and historic Salisbury House. The classic cocktail bar will be set up on the Salisbury House lawn and guest will enjoy a combination of classic cocktails and classic cars.

The scene includes modern day socialites dressed in 1920s-style spats and suspenders, beads and boas, fedoras and feathers. Guests enjoy luscious, lavish cuisine and fine wine and spirits. They dance to the music of lively bands, and climb aboard vintage autos for a spin around the block. If that sounds as fun to you as it does to us please plan to attend the 4th Annual Gatsby Gala and be sure to keep your eyes out for a first of its kind Templeton Rye auction item.

Tickets are $200, or $125 for ages 35 and under. To order tickets call 515-274-1777.

For more information, visit: www.salisburyhouse.org

Randall’s Wine and Spirits Pre-Holiday Show
Date: Saturday, September 6th.
Location: 10800 Lincoln Trail Road, Fairview Heights, IL

Templeton Rye is proud to join Randall’s Wine and Spirits for their huge pre-holiday show. Randall’s is by far one of the most impressive stores we have ever seen. If you are in the area stop by for a sample of The Good Stuff and many other interesting samples. Randall’s is also one of our internet sources for those of you outside of the Iowa and Illinois markets.

For orders, visit: www.internetwines.com

Farmer’s Market
Date: Saturday, September 6th
Location: Downtown Des Moines, IA

Emerging Artist Showcase
Date: Saturday, September 6th
Location: Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL

TR is one of the proud sponsors supporting live music and new, emerging artists. Stop by, check out the music, and enjoy a little of The Good Stuff.

For more information, visit: www.platform-1.com

Templeton Rye-inspired Dinner at Sage the Restaurant
Date: September 8th and 9th
Location: Sage the Restaurant, Des Moines, IA

Our friends at Sage the Restaurant will be featuring a Templeton Rye-themed menu on September 8th and 9th with a cash bar starting at 6:00 p.m. and dinner beginning promptly at 7:00 with communal seating. Click here for more information.

Our friends at Sage the Restaurant will be featuring a Templeton Rye-themed menu on September 8th and 9th with a cash bar starting at 6:00 p.m. and dinner beginning promptly at 7:00 with communal seating. A Templeton Rye cocktail will be paired with each course. Cost per person is $65 plus tax and gratuity. To make your reservations, please contact Sage directly at 515-255-7722. The complete menu is posted below.

Salad
Templeton Rye poached grilled Missouri peaches, with baby greens, carmelized pecans, red onions and Maytag Blue Cheese.

Fish
Templeton Rye marinated and cherrywood smoked seabass with a frisee and radish salad with a horse radish vinagrettte.

Meat
Braised Niman Ranch Pork atop an Iowa sweet corn spoonbread and a Templeton Rye apricot glaze.

Dessert
Templeton Rye bread pudding with a TR chocolate sauce.

Photo credit: Joe Crimmings Photography

Many of you have been asking about Templeton Rye distillery tours. We are pleased to announce that we’ll be offering several tour dates through the end of the year! For a complete schedule, visit our distillery tours page.

Please contact kevin@templetonrye.com with your questions or to secure a spot.

Recently, we were honored to host United States Senator Tom Harkin for a VIP distillery tour. Senator Harkin has long known about Templeton Rye from his travels across our great state, and he was very excited to see the distillery.

The Templeton Rye team discussed many issues with the senator, including rural development, renewable energy and specific challenges facing our company. Below are photos that we captured during the tour.

From left to right: Master Distiller Meryl Kerkhoff, Senator Tom Harkin and Assistant Master Distiller Keith Kerkhoff in front of the Templeton Rye still.

Master Distiller Meryl Kerkhoff and Gene Wiese of Manning discuss historic photos in the tasting room.

Assistant Master Distiller Keith Kerkhoff explaining the finer points of whiskey filtering.

As a surprise belated Father’s Day present for her father John Pederson, our friend Libby Crimmings invited a handful her dad’s closest friends for Father’s Day Templeton style.

The group loaded into the Templeton Rye (Nadas) bus and made their way to the distillery for an all-access tour. After an entertaining and informative tour, including hand-labeling some bottles and sampling a bit of The Good Stuff, the crew moved on to lunch and libations.

The afternoon consisted of a good old-fashioned Western Iowa Bar Crawl at Coon Bowl and the North Side Pub in Coon Rapids, Shack’s in Bayard, TOJO’s and the Dew Drop in Jamaica, the River House Barn, a historic speakeasy in the White Rock Conservancy, and a final stop at the Waveland in Des Moines. It was a perfect Father’s Day for a wonderful dad and great friend of Templeton Rye. We were pleased to help make it a special day.

To set up your own Templeton Rye Distillery tour, contact kevin@templetonrye.com

We are pleased to announce that Templeton Rye was chosen as “Best of Category Whisky/Whiskey” at the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition. This is a huge honor for us and we’re very excited about it.

To view our official press release, please click here. A list of all the winners can be found here.