American

Templeton Rye Stout Cask Finish

$53.00

OVERALL
RATING

8

Whiskey Review: Templeton Rye Stout Cask Finish

We review Templeton Rye Stout Cask Finish, a 95% rye, 5% malted barley mash bill whiskey that's aged six years in new American oak and then finished in bourbon barrel-aged, chocolate coffee stout casks for three months.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
Aged six years and three months, 95% rye, 5% malted barley mash bill, 92 proof (46% ABV), 750 ml MSRP $53.
Appearance:
Auburn.
Nose:
On the nose are rich, herbaceous notes of cinnamon, red berries, green bell pepper, caramel, and grapefruit zest.
Palate:
Some sort of polish (leather or wood?) permeates throughout while notes of pine, peppercorn, sweet salt, and fresh cut grass give way to undertones of molasses, black cherry, and dark chocolate.
Finish:
Comments:
This is a rye that offers a bold and savory flavor profile with a woody character and unique balance of sweet, salty, and zesty flavor. With subtle notes of raw coffee beans, it has a long finish that’s dry, yet creamy and moderately grainy with robust flavors that are both rustic and oddly decadent at the same time.

Editor’s Note: This whisk(e)y was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.

During the Prohibition Era, it is said Templeton, Iowa became a hot spot for their illegal production of excellent and highly sought after rye whiskey. According to legend, the Iowan rye whiskey became the favorite of the notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone, who had it delivered into his prison cell illegally after being convicted for tax evasion. 

Templeton Distillery, best known for its rye whiskey focus, recently launched Templeton Rye Stout Cask Finish as the fourth expression from Templeton’s limited-edition Barrel Finish Series, which was first introduced in 2019. The first three expressions from it include the 2021 Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish, the 2020 Caribbean Rum Cask Finish, and the 2019 Maple Cask Finish. 

All four expressions are the result of Templeton’s goal of producing whiskeys they feel highlight innovative twists on what a rye whiskey can be. 

“This year, our Stout Cask Finish expression provides a fresh perspective and has proven disruptive within our Barrel Finish Series, mixing subtle coffee tones with rye pepper and spice,” said Blair Woodall, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Templeton Distillery in a prepared statement. “This new-to-market release is sure to elevate any classic cocktail.” 

With a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, Templeton Rye Stout Cask Finish is aged six years in new American oak flame-charred barrels. It is then finished in bourbon barrel-aged chocolate coffee stout casks for three months. Bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV), this limited series expression is sold on allocation in both the US and EU. 

Templeton Rye Stout Cask Finish review
Templeton Rye Stout Cask Finish (image via Templeton)

Tasting Notes: Templeton Rye Stout Cask Finish

Vital Stats: Aged six years and three months, 95% rye, 5% malted barley mash bill, 92 proof (46% ABV), 750 ml MSRP $53. 

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Appearance: Auburn.

Nose: On the nose are rich, herbaceous notes of cinnamon, red berries, green bell pepper, caramel, and grapefruit zest. 

Palate: Some sort of polish (leather or wood?) permeates throughout while notes of pine, peppercorn, sweet salt, and fresh cut grass give way to undertones of molasses, black cherry, and dark chocolate. 

Jennifer Williams

Jennifer Williams honed her appreciation for patrons with a discerning taste for fine whiskey during her 15-year tenure as a bartender in Dallas, Texas. Since relocating to Portland, Oregon in 2019, she graduated from Portland State University with a major in English Literature and a minor in Writing. During her final term at PSU, Jennifer served as the Arts & Culture editor for the university's monthly magazine, The Pacific Sentinel. A voracious reader, outdoor runner, and aspiring photographer, Jennifer also harbors a deep love for classic jazz. She always welcomes the opportunity to share a whiskey and engaging conversation with both her cherished friends from Texas and the many new companions she's made since settling in Oregon.

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