Templeton Rye 6 Year Old Review And Tasting Notes
What about the 6-year-old Templeton Rye?
It’s just a bomb! Among the medium-level whiskey rye, identified in the range of spirits costing 40-55 euros, it is one of the best personality, depth, and richness. Like all new rye, it is very particular and decisive, soft, but very spicy and mentholated. Forget about the Bulleit for a moment.
The percentage of rye is also high. 95% of rye, 5% of malt. It is not at the levels of Few and Whistlepig in aromatic depth, but we are close and then consider that it costs at least 30 euros less than Few and half of Whistlepig, so we can consider it one of the best rye whiskeys for quality-price.
How is it done?
As mentioned, the mash bill is mostly rye, almost pure. After a double distillation in a copper alembic, the distillate is left to rest for 6 years in charred American oak barrels.
Organoleptic characteristics
But why 6 years of refinement not too long? In reality, they all fit! The distillate is full and stormy and is only partially tamed by the wood. As soon as you smell it, it assails you with red fruit, mint, burnt caramel, and vanilla notes. Spicy finish with notes of tobacco and biscuit.
It is warm and enveloping on the palate but well balanced by a freshness that tastes of iodine and mint. The spicy part is powerful, as it befits purebred whiskey rye, but it is never rude. The refinement is felt and pushes the fruity part to bring out the softness—the finish of oak and walnuts with wrinkled tannins.
Attention is a deceptive distillate. Thanks to all its richness, it seems less alcoholic than 45.74 degrees, but it hits hard.
In any case, the choice is understandable and even shared. The high alcohol content is necessary to give structure and precision to all this aromatic volume, to these intense flavors of cherries and spices.
Just add a few drops of fresh water to bring out the most delicate floral notes and reduce the alcohol content.
Overall it is one of the best rye whiskeys you can find on the market in the 45-50 euro range.
Price
44-46 euros.
