Hello friends. You may have started to notice a bit more Templeton Rye on store shelves around Iowa. We were fortunate enough to produce additional Templeton Rye over four years ago which has now aged and will be finding its way to a store near you. As in the past, we are doing our best to have a reliable supply of the Good Stuff in Iowa for the holidays. Going forward, we will continue to bring additional quantities of Templeton Rye to you as soon as possible, however, we will not do so at the expense of compromising the quality.

So please enjoy a little of the Good Stuff with your friends and family this holiday season and stock up for next year. As always, thank you for your continued support.

~ Your friends at Templeton Rye

Volunteer Bottling

We have had several inquiries about the date of our next volunteer bottling. We will not have a Volunteer Bottling week this Fall but are planning some for the Spring/Summer of 2013. Please continue to watch our newsletter for details.

Iowan Starring in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire

Apparently, we have more in common with the show Boardwalk Empire than just Al Capone and his affinity for the Good Stuff.

Templeton Brand Ambassador Michael Killmer and Founder Scott Bush ran into Iowa native Curt Bouril, who plays the Boardwalk Empire character Clifford Lathrop, on a recent trip to New York.

Tune in for, hopefully, more Templeton Rye sightings as Capone becomes a more prevalent figure during the current season of Boardwalk Empire.

Watch for Templeton at Your Local Crate & Barrel

You might have spotted Templeton Rye in the bar display if you have shopped at Crate & Barrel recently, as we sent bottles to stores all over the country. Don’t bother opening one though — that is just water inside colored to look like the Good Stuff.

Templeton Rye Receives Best New Spirit Award in 2012 Vegas Seven Mixology Awards!

We have started to send product to additional select markets around the country and were pleased to be recognized by the folks at Vegas Seven. If you make your way out to Vegas for some fun, be sure to spread the word about Templeton Rye!

Cocktails & Capone

Wednesday, December 5
Chicago History Museum
$40/$30 CHM Members

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. — Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. — Program
7:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. — Cocktails and book signing

Join us for a spirited evening on the 79th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. John Russick, Director of Curatorial Affairs, discusses Chicago’s vibrant bootlegging and speakeasy scene of the Roaring 20s. We’re also joined by Al Capone’s great niece, Deirdre Capone, who will share family stories of “Uncle Al.” Bringing history out of the cellar, Templeton Rye Whiskey will chat about our connections to Prohibition and Al Capone.

Stick around this juice-joint after our discussion to enjoy cocktails, mingle with fellow patrons and catch a book signing. Deirdre Capone’s My Life With Uncle Al and John Russick’s Crime in Chicago will be available for purchase. Ticket price includes complimentary Templeton Rye Prohibition era cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Presented in collaboration with Templeton Rye Whiskey.

Click here for more information or download the details.

Merchandise Spotlight — Templeton Hoodies

Just in time for winter.

Click here to purchase.

We have a cool event coming up this Sunday, July 15th at Jasper Winery in downtown Des Moines across from Gray’s Lake.

The weather is supposed to be excellent, and the event will be great. Please join the Templeton team for a great day featuring Madhouse Beer and award-winning BBQ from Iowa’s own Woodfellas BBQ team. The event is free and goes from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

There will be a horseshoe tournament beginning at 3:30 p.m. with casual horseshoe rules – i.e. you do not need to be good at horseshoes to play.

If you want to be in the horseshoe tournament it is $50 per team, which includes your entry fee and a free Templeton t-shirt for two players, food and drink tickets. There will be trophies and cash prizes for the top three teams as well.

It should be a great day, and we hope you will join us. To sign up a horseshoe team click here.

Click an image to view a larger version.

Al Capones’s Niece to Visit Templeton

We are excited to welcome Deirdre Capone, grand niece of Al Capone and author of the book “Uncle Al Capone,” to Templeton on Tuesday, July 31st.

We will be showing “Capone’s Whiskey, the Story of Templeton Rye” that evening in the ballroom of the Carrollton Inn beginning at 7:00 p.m. There will be a cocktail hour beforehand beginning at 6:00 p.m. where Ms. Capone will be sharing stories and signing copies of her book.

Tickets to the event will be available at the door and are $10, which includes a Templeton Rye cocktail.

We hope to see you at the Carrollton Inn on Tuesday, July 31st.

Templeton Rye Bike Jerseys Are Back!!!

We received a shipment of our bike jerseys just in time for RAGBRAI. To order one please visit the online store.

We will also be selling them at the Lake View stop on RAGBRAI July 23rd, where we will have our bus and Mobile Speakeasy. Please come by to visit the Mobile Speakeasy and say hello.

Click an image to view a larger version.

Please note that we send merchandise out via regular USPS and we cannot track or guarantee delivery dates.

Templeton Rye Founder & President Scott Bush to Speak at Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji on July 18th

On Wednesday, July 18th at 6:00 p.m., Scott will be speaking as part of the Growing Iowa’s Economy lecture series. For more information please click here. There will be a tasting after the talk at the Pearson Lakes Art Center. Separately, the Templeton Mobile Speakeasy will be operating that night from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. outside the Barefoot Bar at 24457 Stake Out Road in Okoboji. Please come by if you are lucky enough to be at the lakes next week.

Green City Market Chefs BBQ

July 12th, 2012
5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

One of the best summer events in Chicago, this grand picnic is held every July in picturesque Lincoln Park, with the fabulous Chicago skyline as a backdrop.

Green City Market’s BBQ benefit features Chicago’s finest chefs preparing dishes featuring Green City Market produce and products. In addition to food, locally made beer, wine, hand-crafted cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages complement the Chef’s culinary creations. Tickets sell out fast so please purchase your tickets today!

Please check out the featured market fresh cocktail recipes: http://www.greencitycocktails.com/

Whiskey Dinner at Sepia

August 7th, 2012

Chef Andrew Zimmerman and Mixologist Josh Pearson team for some great Templeton inspired cuisine and paired cocktails. For reservations call (312) 441-1920.

Sepia
123 N Jefferson
Chicago, IL

Greetings from Templeton. Summer is here and things in Templeton are going great. I want to thank Scott and Keith for giving me an opportunity to bring everyone up to speed on a Community Center project we have launched. The City of Templeton is in the process of acquiring the former Sacred Heart School building and transforming it into a community center. While the school has unofficially served this role for many years, Templeton has never had a true community center facility.

With a generous pledge of $250,000 from Templeton Rye Spirits, we have kicked off our fundraising drive for this project. At $1.4 million, this is a very ambitious project, but Templeton is known for its determination. This project is important and worthwhile – we are growing, the future is bright and this project is an investment in our future.

If you would like more information on the project, go to www.templetoniowa.com and click on the community center link. You will find project details, a timeline and other project information, or you can contact me at 712-790-3400 or email at kbehrens@netins.net.

When this project is complete, we will be able to host many types of activities – both large and small – including fun Templeton Rye get-togethers. In the meantime, if any of you know a rain dance that would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely from Templeton, Home of the Good Stuff!

Ken Behrens
Mayor, City of Templeton

Templeton Rye Iowa Shoes & Cue

Please join us on Sunday, July 15th for a day of fun, horseshoes and award-winning bbq. We will be hosting Iowa Shoes & Cue at Jasper Winery from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. and featuring award-winning bbq from Iowa’s own Woodfellas.

If you would like to be involved in the horseshoe tournament, please visit http://templetonryeiowashoesandcue2012.eventbrite.com. There will be a 64 team, single elimination tournament with prizes for the top three teams. The cost per team is $100 and includes entry, a Templeton Rye t-shirt and four drink tickets.

Some pictures from the Chicago version of Shoes & Cue can be seen on our Facebook page.

Upcoming Events

Please join us for the following events this summer:

June 21st:
CigarBQue
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
An intimate evening of fine cigars, food prepared by some of the country’s best chefs (Rick Gresh of David Burke’s Primehouse, Giuseppe Tentori of GT Fish & Oyster and Boka, and Cleetus Friedman of City Provisions), beer, wine and Templeton Rye cocktails by Benjamin Schiller, Eric Hay, Fred Sarkis and Dan De Oliveira. For more information visit cigarbque.com.

Beyond Design
4515 N Ravenswood Avenue
Chicago, IL

June 22nd:
Manhattan Mayhem
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join us for an interactive cocktail gathering. Click here to download a flyer for the event.

1776 Restaurant
397 W Virginia Street
Crystal Lake, IL

June 24th:
East Bay Shoes & Cue
Linden Street Brewery
95 Linden Street
Oakland, CA

June 28th:
Prosciutto of Happiness Hour
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Join us in toasting the success of America’s efforts towards Ham Independence with La Quercia’s Herb Eckhouse! Vertical tasting of La Quercia’s heritage acorn-fed prosciutto paired with Tempelton Rye cocktail.
Click here to download a flyer for the event.

Bar Toma
110 E Pearson Street
Chicago, IL

July 11th:
Speakeasy Party
The Edison
108 W 2nd Street #101
Los Angeles, CA

July 15th:
Iowa Shoes & Cue
3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Jasper Winery
2400 George Flagg Parkway
Des Moines, IA

July 17th:
Whiskey Dinner
Four courses/five cocktails for $65 plus tax and gratuity. Welcome reception with first cocktail and passed hor’d oeuvres begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.
80 seats available – call (515) 221- 3474 for reservations.

Trostel’s Dish
12851 University Avenue #400
Clive, IA

July 18th:
Presentation by Scott Bush
Pearson Lakes Art Center
2201 Highway 71 N
Okoboji, IA

July 18th:

Mobile Speakeasy
Location TBD
Okoboji, IA

July 19th:

Mobile Speakeasy
Location TBD
Clear Lake, IA

July 24th:
Mobile Speakeasy
RAGBRAI
Lake View, IA

August 5th:
Iowa Cubs Tailgate
Principal Park
Des Moines, IA

September 1st:
Iowa / Northern Illinois Tailgate
Soldier Field
Chicago, IL

Farmer’s Market

We are back as an occasional vendor at the Des Moines Farmer’s Market on 4th Street in front of Java Joe’s. Please stop by and see us on the following dates:

June 23^rd
July 7^th
July 14^th
August 4^th
August 25^th
September 15^th
September 29^th
October 6^th
October 20^th

New Merchandise

We have a couple of new shirts available at store.templetonrye.com.

Click an image to view the shirt in the store.

Remembering Fay Irlbeck Schleisman

Our friend Fay passed away this week at the Manning General Hospital. Fay was the daughter of Joe Irlbeck, one of the major figures behind Templeton Rye during Prohibition. Fay was a great lady and very generous with her time and stories about the history of Templeton Rye. She will be missed by her friends at Templeton Rye.

Click the screenshot above to view a video in which Fay shares a story about the Feds checking her house for bootlegged whiskey.

Plot Synopsis

During the prohibition years, the farms of west central Iowa cooked whiskey in their barns and machine sheds to supplement their incomes. It was of such high quality that it quickly made its way to speakeasies in Chicago, Kansas City, and Omaha through Al Capone. For almost eighty years the product was considered illegal until it was introduced in 2006 as a legal brand of top shelf liquor. But, even with the existence of a legal brand, the spirit of prohibition never dies.

Current screening dates include:

March 1st at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA (private alumni/student screening)
March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the Bijou Cinema in Iowa City w/ Film maker Q&A (purchase advance tickets through Ticketmaster or for $7 at the door/Students are free)
March 10th at the Iowa Theater in Winterset, IA
March 10th at the Rialto Theater in Pocahontas, IA
March 22nd at Mayne Stage in Chicago, IL w/ Film maker Q&A
March 23rd at The Grand Theater in Eldora, IA
March 24th & 25th at the Central Theater in Geneseo, IL
March 24th at the Grand Theater in Greenfield, IA
March 29th at the Orpheum Theater in Marshalltown, IA w/ Film maker Q&A
April 13th at the Palace Theater in Vinton, IA w/ Film maker Q&A
April 28th at the Mindframe Theater in Dubuque, IA w/ Film maker Q&A
April 28th & 29th at the New Strand Theater in West Liberty, IA
May 11th &12th at the Donna Reed Theater in Denison, IA w/ Film maker Q&A
September 28th & 29th at the Temple Twin Theater in Mount Pleasant, IA

To learn more about this film, check out information on the sites below:

IMDB
Facebook
YouTube Trailer

Templeton Rye: Iowa’s Good Stuff (30 Minute PBS special) is also available through Amazon’s Video On Demand Service for purchase or rental.

I wanted to take a minute and update you all on some strategic issues so you have updated (and correct) information. First, we greatly increased our monthly allocation to the State of Iowa in October, November and December, so you should have an easier time finding a bottle of The Good Stuff for the holidays. Speaking of Iowa, we are on pace to increase the amount of product sold in Iowa in 2011 by 210% over 2010 (22,000 cases vs. 7,100 cases). We are very happy that we have been able to increase this figure and are working hard to continue to do so in the future. We are still far from reaching demand in our home state but are certainly trending the right way.

A lot of people are surprised to hear this but Templeton Rye is still only sold in four markets: Iowa, Illinois, San Francisco and New York. Illinois continues to be a great market for us led by our most famous customer AZ-85′s old stomping grounds of Chicago. We entered New York City and San Francisco last December with the goal of initially establishing Templeton Rye at a select group of high-end bars and restaurants. We have been very successful in achieving this with our distribution partners and are now adding new accounts and focusing on building consumer awareness of Templeton Rye. (So if you live there and have a good idea for an event, please let us know).

I am sharing all of this because we recently had a strategy meeting and, despite a significant increase in product upcoming, we are not planning to enter any additional markets until 2014. We apologize to all of the states on our short list but we are committed to continuing to grow our supply to Iowa and maintaining adequate supply to support our partners in Chicago, San Francisco and New York. The bartender community in each of these markets has really embraced our product and we want to establish Templeton Rye as the rye whiskey of choice in these markets prior to moving on.

Thank you all for your continued support and all the best to you and yours.

Cheers,
Scott Bush, President, Templeton Rye

Michael Killmer, Templeton Rye Brand Manager and Brand Ambassador for Chicago, teamed up with HBO and LivingSocial for the Exclusive Boardwalk Empire Season Two Yacht Party in Chicago on Sunday, September 25. The cruise was a ticketed event by LivingSocial with 160 people in attendance.

Fashioned in their finest 1920s-inspired attire, the patrons hopped aboard the Prohibition era cruise to celebrate the return of the Boardwalk Empire series. The luxury yacht from Kanan Cruises was decked out in roaring twenties style with Templeton Rye décor and barrels. As they set sail from Navy Pier, patrons had the chance to participate in a variety of mob-friendly activities. The three-hour yacht party included blackjack instruction in the gambling parlor, cigar-rolling lessons, appetizers, whiskey tastings, a Templeton Rye Manhattan cocktail demonstration and an exclusive sneak peek of the Season 2 premiere.

Patrons were invited to partake in a whiskey tasting where they sipped on samples of Templeton Rye, along with three bourbons, including Woodford Reserve, Bulliet and Buffalo Trace. After the whiskey tasting and education and a viewing of the Boardwalk Empire trailer, they visited Michael Killmer at the Templeton Rye Manhattan demo station (all product provided by Kanan Cruises), where he taught them the history and proper procedure for making the Templeton Manhattan and gave them the opportunity to make their own.

Here are a few photos from the event.

Be sure to download our exclusive Templeton Rye-inspired viewing party kit and check out our Pinterest board for more inspiration and ideas for Prohibition era fashion, food and cocktail recipes. You can also pick up some iconic flapper and dapper gangster fashion tips from Des Moines fashion blogger Lacy Brunnette on LacyBrunnette.com.

Fashion ideas courtesy of Juliet DeRose and Jen Abrams, Stylist, JenAbrams.com

The Female Look
The 1920s were all about rebellion. So use this opportunity to let loose and break the rules of
fashion. Start off with a sexy ultra-feminine dress. Think lace, chiffon, sequins and fringe. Don’t shy
away from bold jewel tones and warm reds and purples! Then, make it your own by incorporating
flirty accessories like bangles, statement cocktail rings, fingerless gloves and maybe even a cloche
hat. Keep your make-up understated except for a dramatic bold lip. Add vampy red nails and you’re
ready to dance all night… among other things.

Complete Looks
Click the images below to visit polyvore.com and find out how to get these 1920s-inspired complete looks.

Dresses
Option #1: Try this sleeveless silk-chiffon dress with rhinestone and beaded scoop neck, asymmetrical tiers with beaded fringe at shirttail hem, allover bead accents and tiny pintucks by Haute Hippie. “Flapper Dress” found at 25park.com.

Option #2: Try this chiffon dress, hand-beaded detail, fully lined blush dress by Haute Hippie. “Trish Rose Flapper Dress” found at 25park.com.

Accessories

From left to right, top row: Art deco 14k silver diamond accent cocktail ring, jcpenney.com; Max and Chloe Necklace, maxandchloe.com; Earrings charmandchain.com, ASOS Origami Pleated Deco Clip On Earrings asos.com; Belfry Tara Floral Bow Cloche, hatsinthebelfry.com; bottom row: Venezia Gondola Clutch, jillmilan.com; Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio NARS, narscosmetics.com; ASOS Black Beaded Deco Clutch, asos.com.

The Male Look
There’s nothing sexier than a man in a suit. Channel your inner Nucky Thompson and make a powerful
statement with a fitted suit. Leave those tired gray and black ones in the closet and experiment with different hues and patterns. Don’t over think the styling; a crisp white shirt is always appropriate and always a fashion “do.” Coordinate your tie and pocket square to complement the suit. Perhaps a deep red or gold paired with a navy suit? Finally, every proper man needs an exceptional timepiece so incorporate a classic wristwatch or vintage-inspired pocket watch.

Men’s Suit

Ludlow two-button suit jacket with double-vented back in cashmere, J. Crew

Tie

Ermenegildo Zegna textured paisley tie in burgundy, Neiman Marcus

Pocket Watch

Relic two-toned pocket watch, JC Penney

“Boardwalk Empire” returns on Sunday, September 25 at 9 p.m. on HBO.

When it came to entertaining in the 1920s, food dishes were simple yet classy, such as a perfectly chopped Caesar salad or dainty and delightful finger sandwiches. Below are a few ideas and recipes for some easy-to-prep, 1920s-inspired dishes to serve up on premiere night.

Americans had a sweet tooth and a well-developed sense of ordered creativity in the 1920s, which translated into fruit cocktails, pineapple upside-down cake and Jell-O molds. Try this no-hassle recipe for Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake via BettyCrocker.com.

Image via flickr kimberlykv

Finger sandwiches were very popular in the 1920s due to the invention of sliced bread. Try one (or all) of these five delicious finger sandwich recipes via myrecipes.com.

Image via flickr kattekrab

The Caesar salad was first created in 1924 by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico. The salad became a family favorite and fashionable among celebrities, increasing the popularity of salads in general. With the basic ingredients of lettuce, parmesan and croutons, dressed with garlic, lemon, egg, olive oil and Worcestershire sauce, this dish is easy to prepare and a refreshing combo with your finger sandwiches. Impress your guests with this classic Caesar salad recipe by Lynn Lewis via allrecipes.com.

Image via flickr VirtualErn

Check out our exclusive Templeton Rye-inspired “Boardwalk Empire” viewing party kit here for more ideas and inspiration for Prohibition Era food, fashion and cocktails. Boardwalk Empire returns on Sunday, September 25 at 9 p.m. on HBO.

No party is complete without a signature cocktail, and we all know that Nucky’s favorite spirit was rye whiskey, so we asked a few of our favorite mixologists to help us create three 1920s-inspired Templeton Rye cocktails for you to enjoy while watching the season premiere.

Hello, Holy Rollers!
Creator: Joshua Pearson, Head Bartender at Sepia
2 oz. Templeton Rye
¾ oz. Barolo Chinato
¾ oz. Dry White Port
½ oz. Lemon Juice
1 dash Angostura Bitters

Shake ingredients in cocktail shaker.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Templeton Typewriter
Creator: Kris Von Dopek, Libations Program Manager at Duchamp Libations
2 oz. Templeton Rye
1 oz. Tawny Port
½ oz. Real Maple Syrup
3 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Build in a mixing glass and stir.
Strain over ice in an old fashioned glass.



The Nucky
Creator: Eric Hay, Wirtz Beverage Illinois
1 and ½ oz. Templeton Rye
1 oz. Cherry Herring Liqueur
½ oz. Luxardo Bitter Liqueur or Campari
¾ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
¼oz. Fresh Orange Juice
1 Dash Angostura Bitters
Garnish: 2 Luxardo cherries skewered

Build all ingredients in a shaker tin, add ice and shake hard for 8-10 seconds.
Double strain into a double old fashioned glass with fresh ice.

Stay tuned for more “Boardwalk Empire” viewing party how-to tips, ideas and inspiration. Next up, era-appropriate food dishes to prep for your party.

I wanted to share this story and some pictures with you to show my appreciation for “The Good Stuff” on our memorable day.

My wife Sarah and I live in Peoria, AZ, but were both born and raised in Dubuque, IA. We got married this past May in Dubuque. As the day was approaching I was trying to think of something memorable to do with my groomsmen. I chose to do a toast to the guys that were sharing this day with me, and I wanted to toast with a drink that had roots in Iowa, the same as all the men in our wedding. I chose Templeton Rye.

I must say one of the toughest parts of preparing for our wedding was trying to find a bottle of Templeton Rye. After driving around town for an afternoon I remembered a friend of mine worked at the Hy-Vee liquor department and might be my last chance. We discovered right away when we walked in the store that they were, of course, out of Templeton Rye. I asked my friend when they usually get their shipment in, but he was uncertain if they had any coming in before our wedding on Saturday. Fate was on our side, as he called me Friday morning and had a bottle waiting for me. I was set.

I want to let you know that I did get to do my toast, as you’ll see in the pictures. My initial thought was to never take a drink from the bottle again, but now that I see how much is left, I’ve decided to I’ll take a shot from it for the milestone anniversaries of our special day, while I take in all the memories.

I’d like to thank you for the memories and those to come with my bottle of Templeton Rye.

Sincerely,

Josh Mozena

Congratulations to Josh and Sarah Mozena. Thanks for toasting with “The Good Stuff” on your wedding day and for sharing these special memories with us. We wish you many more special memories to come. Cheers!