Where Is Templeton Rye Made? Unveiling the Mystery
Templeton Rye is primarily made at the MGPI Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, although Templeton Distillery LLC in Templeton, Iowa, does some of the finishing and bottling work.
The Great Rye Question: A Deep Dive into Templeton Rye’s Origin
Templeton Rye, with its Prohibition-era mystique and smooth, spicy flavor, has become a beloved whiskey among enthusiasts. However, its origin has been a subject of much debate and even controversy. For years, the story revolved around its roots in Templeton, Iowa, where bootleggers reputedly crafted the spirit during the Roaring Twenties. While the legend holds true, the actual production has a more complex and nuanced reality. This article will explore the true location of Templeton Rye’s production, the historical context, and the evolution of its sourcing.
Unmasking the Production Location: Indiana vs. Iowa
The truth is that a significant portion, if not the majority, of Templeton Rye whiskey is produced at the Midwest Grain Products (MGP) Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. MGP is a large-scale distillery that produces whiskey for numerous brands, often under contract. They are known for their high-quality rye whiskey, which is highly sought after.
The Role of MGP in Templeton Rye’s Story
MGP provides the mash bill, distills the spirit, and initially ages the whiskey. This means the foundational characteristics of Templeton Rye, including its flavor profile and base quality, are largely determined by MGP’s processes and ingredients. The partnership between Templeton Distillery LLC and MGP has been a pivotal factor in Templeton Rye’s growth and success.
Templeton, Iowa: The Legacy and the Reality
While MGP handles the primary distillation and initial aging, Templeton Distillery LLC in Iowa does play a role in the process. Specifically, they:
- Receive the aged whiskey from MGP.
- Further mature and finish the whiskey, utilizing proprietary techniques.
- Blend and bottle the product at their facility in Templeton.
The Templeton facility allows the company to maintain a tangible connection to the brand’s heritage and provide a sense of authenticity to consumers.
Controversy and Transparency
In the past, Templeton Rye faced criticism for not explicitly disclosing the role of MGP in its production. This led to accusations of misleading marketing and a lack of transparency. Subsequently, the company adjusted its labeling and marketing to be more upfront about its sourcing. This commitment to greater transparency has helped rebuild trust with consumers.
Templeton Rye’s Unique Mash Bill
While distilled by MGP, the Templeton mash bill is specified by Templeton Rye. This ensures the distinctive flavor profile they desire. Here is a breakdown of a typical rye whiskey mash bill (note percentages may vary slightly):
| Grain | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Rye | 95% |
| Malted Barley | 5% |
The Benefits of Using MGP’s Expertise
Partnering with MGP offers several key benefits:
- Consistent Quality: MGP’s advanced distillation techniques and quality control measures ensure consistent product quality.
- Scalability: MGP’s large-scale production capacity allows Templeton Rye to meet growing demand.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Outsourcing production can be more cost-effective than building and operating a dedicated distillery.
The Future of Templeton Rye Production
Templeton Distillery LLC has been expanding its operations in Templeton, Iowa. This includes plans for a new distillery, which will enable them to increase their control over the entire production process. This new facility will allow Templeton to produce at least a portion of their whiskey directly in Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions About Templeton Rye
What is MGP, and why is it important in the whiskey world?
MGP, or Midwest Grain Products, is a major contract distiller based in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. It is important because it produces whiskey for a large number of brands, often without direct attribution. Its scale and expertise allows brands of all sizes to efficiently create whiskey. Their high-rye mash bills are especially popular, making them a key player in the rye whiskey renaissance.
Does Templeton Rye have its own distillery in Iowa?
Yes, Templeton Distillery LLC has a distillery in Templeton, Iowa. While it does not currently distill all of their rye whiskey, the Templeton facility handles finishing, blending, and bottling. They are expanding the facility to include their own dedicated distillation capacity. This allows Templeton to increase their control of the whiskey creation process.
Is Templeton Rye a sourced whiskey?
Technically, yes. While they are expanding their own distillation capabilities, much of the base spirit used in Templeton Rye is sourced from MGP. The definition of “sourced whiskey” typically refers to whiskey where the distillation is performed by a different entity than the brand selling it.
Has Templeton Rye always been made at MGP?
No. The initial batches were produced elsewhere while the company was still establishing itself. The transition to MGP happened early on and has been a key part of the brand’s growth. It allowed them to meet the growing demand for their product.
What makes Templeton Rye’s flavor profile unique?
The flavor profile is a result of a combination of factors:
- High-rye mash bill: The high percentage of rye grain gives the whiskey its characteristic spicy and peppery notes.
- MGP’s distillation expertise: Their equipment and techniques contribute to the smoothness and overall quality of the spirit.
- Templeton’s finishing and blending: The finishing and blending process at the Templeton distillery further refines the flavor profile and ensures consistency across batches.
How can I tell if a whiskey is sourced from MGP?
Identifying MGP-sourced whiskeys can be tricky, as brands are not always forthcoming about their sourcing. However, some clues can include:
- The term “sourced” or “distilled in Indiana” on the label.
- A high-rye mash bill: MGP is known for its high-rye whiskeys.
- Reviews and articles: Researching online can often reveal information about a whiskey’s source.
Is sourcing whiskey a bad thing?
No, sourcing whiskey is not inherently bad. Many reputable brands source their whiskey from other distilleries to ensure consistent quality, meet demand, or access specific flavor profiles. The key is transparency.
What are Templeton Rye’s different expressions?
Templeton Rye offers several different expressions, including:
- Templeton 4 Year Old Rye: Their flagship product, known for its smooth and spicy flavor.
- Templeton 6 Year Old Rye: A slightly older expression with more complex flavors.
- Templeton 10 Year Old Rye: A limited-edition, premium offering with a rich and mature profile.
Where can I buy Templeton Rye?
Templeton Rye is widely available at liquor stores and bars across the United States. You can also purchase it online from various retailers. Availability may vary depending on your location.
What is the price range of Templeton Rye?
The price of Templeton Rye varies depending on the expression and retailer. However, generally, you can expect to pay:
- Templeton 4 Year Old Rye: $30-$40
- Templeton 6 Year Old Rye: $40-$50
- Templeton 10 Year Old Rye: $80-$100+
How does the Iowa history of Templeton influence the brand?
The history of Templeton as a bootlegging haven during Prohibition is integral to the brand’s identity. It provides a compelling narrative and a sense of authenticity that resonates with consumers. The company actively leverages this history in its marketing and branding efforts.
What are Templeton’s future plans for whiskey production in Iowa?
Templeton plans to increase their production capacity in Iowa significantly. They intend to distill a greater percentage of their whiskey in-house at their Templeton distillery. This new facility demonstrates a commitment to its Iowa location and offers the opportunity to develop even more unique expressions of Templeton Rye.