by Mike » Mon Feb 02, 2009 6:24 pm
I was given a bottle of Templeton Small Batch Rye Whiskey (I get to take half the bottle and return the remainder to its rightful owner......I believe it was a gift to him also). It is 80 proof and claims, as Chuck noted above, to be a Prohibition Era Recipe. This is Batch 2, Barrel 115, Bottle 2 and it was bottled in Templeton on 3-19-2008. Based on the posts above I take this to be in fact, Iowa whiskey.
The label claims that Templeton Whiskey was Al Capone's favorite, whether to impress me or unimpress me (would Capone's taste in anything be something I would care about, given his despicable character?).
The nose is extraordinarily floral, citrusy, and sweet, with some mint (spearmint gum?) and is quite pleasant with mild hints of vanilla and only a faint echo of wood. A bit longer in the glass yields up a smidge of leather. A pretty good nose that promises a sweet taste.
The taste is softly sweet upfront followed by a rip of spicy, cinnamony rye with a large dollop of orange/citrus. Is that a slight glimmer of pine I detect? I find the taste quite agreeable with no off-putting elements.........but also remeniscent of some of the flavored vodkas in its lack of staying power.
The finish seems very short to me and leaves me asking 'where did it go?'
Overall, TR has its moments, they just aren't sustained and leave you hanging. I think this Buster would benefit from a WHALLOP of about 20% from some good old WT Rare Breed, which I am about to administer...............hmmmm, make that a 25% WHALLOP...........now, that is mucho more gooder stuff!!............retains that wonderful flowery sweetness and orangy playfulness while providing a convincing and lasting exit.
Now, we are talking good whiskey y'all.
You know, I just don't know why I didn't learn to play the piano.........now would have been a good time...........well, now I think about it...........I ain't never had no talent for nothing...........maybe 'cepting drinking whiskey!!
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. - Dylan Thomas