There’s a really cool bed and breakfast called Gin’s Inn just down the road from the Templeton Rye distillery in Templeton that we think you should know about. Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or would like to turn your distillery visit to into an overnight or weekend stay, be sure to check out the inn, which is within walking distance from our distillery.

The Innkeepers Virginia (Gin) and Leroy Schultes invite you to experience their hospitality first hand:

Our goal at Gin’s Inn is to capture a cozy, warm atmosphere of beauty and comfort while giving personal professional service that anticipates our guests’ needs. Come and let us ease your mind and warm your heart. We are serving up the recipe for relaxation.

Gin’s Inn features a blend of comfort and traditional style with four uniquely-decorated guest rooms to suit your specific tastes and make you feel right at home. In-house telephones and wireless high speed internet access is available throughout the home, and all overnight stays include a continental breakfast.

For more information about the amenities at Gin’s Inn or to inquire about a reservation, visit the Gin’s Inn website. To view our upcoming distillery tour dates, visit our distillery tours page.

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.

View more stories on YouTube at our Templeton Rye channel.

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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.

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.”

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

In 1931, a cardboard cutout of a little brown jug with the words X-Mas Spirits was raised along with the holiday lights above Main Street in Templeton. Many claim it was done with the aid of at least one person who occupied an important position in the civic and municipal affairs of the town. A picture of the little brown jug ended up on the front page of the Des Moines Register, which led to the most intense and sustained period of federal raids on booze-making around the town of Templeton, ever.

This holiday season, a little brown jug hangs once again in Templeton. Replicas of the original X-Mas Spirits jugs can be seen hanging at the St. Peters Castle jail and on the Templeton Rye Main Street display at the Des Moines International Airport.

A little brown jug hangs at the St. Peters Castle jail in Templeton.

Another X-Mas Spirits jug hangs on the Templeton Rye Main Street display at the Des Moines International Airport.

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