In a sleepy Iowa town with fewer than 400 people, a rye whiskey legacy was born during Prohibition, bootlegged across the country and whispered about in jazz clubs and speakeasies. That legacy lives on in Templeton Rye, and their Maple Cask Finish Series 1 takes it one step further. Finished in barrels that previously held rich maple syrup, this limited edition release is a modern nod to a time when sweetness had to be smuggled in.

Templeton Rye Maple Cask Finish – Series 1 (75cl)
Brand: Templeton Rye | Category: Finished Rye Whiskey | ABV: 46% | Origin: Iowa, USA | Vol: 750ml

Tasting Profile
Nose: Like pancakes at a forest lodge, maple syrup, rye spice, and charred oak mingle with dried fruit and vanilla bean.
Palate: Full bodied and indulgent. Bold rye grain up front, followed by toasted pecans, cinnamon bark, caramel drizzle, and a warming hint of clove. The maple finish adds sweetness without ever going sticky.
Finish: Long, smooth, and softly spiced. Hints of maple candy and rye linger, just enough to make you reach for another sip.

Production Details
This expression starts with Templeton’s signature straight rye, made with a high rye mash bill and aged in charred American oak barrels. It’s then transferred to maple syrup casks for a finishing touch that adds depth, roundness, and a subtle sweetness that enhances rather than overwhelms. This was Series 1, the first in what is now a sought after annual cask finish collection.

Perfect For
Cold nights, slow weekends, and that golden hour just before dinner. Perfect neat in a heavy glass, or as a twist on a Manhattan for those who want their rye with a hint of indulgence.

Expert Notes
Critics and collectors praise Series 1 for its balance, managing to retain rye’s peppery backbone while layering in gentle maple richness. It’s a standout in the increasingly popular world of flavored and finished American whiskeys, and an excellent bottle for both sipping and showing off.

Customer Reviews
“Rye with a sweet wink. This is dangerously good.”  Julian T.
“Maple finish? Yes, but it’s still very much a proper whiskey. Totally hooked.”   Samantha P.
“Feels like breakfast in a bottle but way more grown-up.”   Edgar L.

Interesting Fact
The maple syrup used to season the casks comes from small-batch producers in the Northeast U.S., adding another layer of artisanal craft to this already unique finish.

Serving Suggestions
Best enjoyed neat or with one large ice cube. A few drops of water bring out more spice and reveal a subtle citrus layer. For cocktails, try it in an Old Fashioned with a maple syrup twist and an orange peel garnish.

Distillery Background
Templeton’s roots go back to the 1920s, when “The Good Stuff” was slang for the rye smuggled out of Iowa during Prohibition. Today, the distillery honors that legacy with modern craftsmanship and bold experimentation, from traditional straight rye to creative cask finishes like this one. Their new facility in Templeton is both a working distillery and a tribute to rye’s outlaw heritage.