New Releases: Templeton, Nelson’s Green Brier, Fortune’s Fool

This week in new USA releases, Templeton Distillery unveiled the Midnight Rye, Nelson’s Green Brier released a honey cask-finished whiskey, and Fortune’s Fool added The Overture to its premium whiskey lineup. 
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This week in new USA releases, Templeton Distillery unveiled the Midnight Rye, Nelson’s Green Brier released a honey cask-finished whiskey, and Fortune’s Fool added The Overture to its premium whiskey lineup. 

Templeton Midnight Rye 

Credit: Templeton Distillery

Iowa-based Templeton Distillery has unveiled its new experimental bottling: Midnight Rye. 

Templeton Midnight Rye is a blend of rye whiskeys distilled from mash bills comprising 95% rye and 5% malted barley. The whiskey was matured in virgin American oak barrels. 

Now for the experimental part: the resulting whiskey was then blended with “a subtle touch” of dark Port wine. This is in stark contrast to the usual industry practice of finishing, whereby the whiskey is matured in a different type of cask (ex-sherry, ex-port, ex-wine) to impart new and complex flavors. According to the press release, “The marriage of the rich port wine with the classic rye backbone results in a luxurious texture that encourages contemplation with every sip.” 

Drinkers can expect: “A perfect balance of cinnamon, clove, and a touch of dark chocolate, all harmonizing in a silky, full-bodied texture, coats the palate. The robust spice characteristic of a classic American Rye Whiskey seamlessly intertwines with the luscious sweetness of dark port wine. A lingering finish of warmth and satisfaction leaves behind echoes of dried fruits, oak, and a whisper of black pepper.” 

Speaking about the new release, Shane Fitzharris, SVP Commercial at Infinium Spirits, said: “The debut of Templeton Midnight Rye defines this exhilarating era of creativity. Even as we look towards a future where all our liquid originates directly from Templeton Distillery, we remain dedicated to providing endless possibilities and experimenting with new tastes and flavors. This commitment elevates the whiskey-drinking experience to new heights and embodies our passion for excellence.”

Templeton Midnight Rye is available nationwide for an RRP of $39.99. Click here to find your local retailer or buy online. 

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Nelson Brothers Honey Cask Finish

Credit: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery has recently announced the return of its beloved Nelson Brothers Honey Cask Finish. 

The fan-favorite whiskey is a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys finished in TruBee honey casks. TruBee is a honey-making company local to Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Tennessee. TruBee supplies the distillery with high-quality honey which then imparts “a symphony of flavors” onto the Nelson Brothers whiskey. 

Nelson Brothers Honey Cask Finish Whiskey is initially matured in hand-selected oak barrels, before being finished in honey-coated casks for between 3 to 15 months. 

The whiskey is bottled at 112.4 proof and features aromas of “shortbread, orange blossom and sandalwood with a layered finish of honey, hazelnut, caramel apple, nutmeg and licorice root” on the nose. On the palate expect delicate honeysuckle and nutmeg.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery will unveil the new release at the distillery (1414 Clinton St., Nashville, TN) on Friday 24th May. Those wishing to get their hands on a bottle should arrive early to hold their place in line. For entertainment, the distillery will provide live music. Guests can also purchase specialty cocktails and food from the distillery restaurant. 

Nelson Brothers Honey Cask Finish will retail for $199. 

Fortune’s Fool The Overture 

Credit: Fortune’s Fool

Indianapolis-based whiskey producer, Fortune’s Fool, has announced the second addition to its premium whiskey lineup: The Overture. The inaugural release from Fortune’s Fool, The Prelude, saw great success. The Overture is the sequel. 

Fortune’s Fool The Overture is a straight rye whiskey distilled from a mash bill comprising 62% rye, 30% corn, and 8% malted barley. It was matured for 39 months in 24-month air-dried Seguin Moreay barrels that had been charred over oak fires. 

Tasting notes for the new release feature “baking spices, vanilla, and citrus” on the nose. On the palate, expect spice and berry during the first sip. Further sips will introduce: “Notes of dried orange, warm honey, and oak. Faint notes of peach, with a rounding mouthfeel and a warm, definitive finis” to the equation. 

Bottled at 54.7% ABV, The Overture has an RRP of $59.99 and is available to pre-order from the Fortune’s Fool website. The bottle will soon be available nationwide. 

Fortune’s Fool is named after a verse in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Founder Juliet Schmalz MD drew inspiration from the theatre in naming her brand and expressions and developing her whiskey-making process. Read more about Fortune’s Fool here

Beth Squires

Beth Squires joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 after completing her university degree in English Literature. Since then, she has acquired extensive knowledge about all aspects of whisk(e)y and now holds the position of Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. Beth is passionate about history, industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a special fondness for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth also serves as a whisky bottle investment specialist.

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