Templeton Rye: Has it changed?

A few weeks ago I needed to replenish my stock of rye (after a few years), and I went into Binny's to purchase some Templeton's. The person who helped me suggested that I try Jefferson's. He indicated that since Templeton increased its production capacity, the rye no longer tasted the same (less desirable in his view). I took his advice and tried Jefferson's (the prices were comparable) which was certainly credible but without the wonderful caramel-y quality that I remembered in Templeton's from a few years ago (I didn't try them back-to-back).

Has Templeton's changed significantly in the past few years? Or should I be skeptical of salespeople? (Or both?)

I haven't seen any news of a change, but Templeton has definitely been increasing production. The following two posts might be useful.

http://sourmashmanifesto.com/2011/10/09 ... ey-review/

http://chuckcowdery.blogspot.com/2011/0 ... n-rye.html

If you like Templeton, you might try Bulleit's rye. It's produced at the same facility as Templeton and costs quite a bit less ($25 vs $40, give or take).

FYI, the Jefferson's 10-year is basically the same juice as the Whistle Pig but at a lower proof (94 vs. 100) and at about half the price.

=R=

One additional suggestion-- if you're a member, Costco has had Templeton in stock since at least last Dec. at $33/bottle--pretty sure that's better than Binnys price...

You don't actually need to be a member to buy alcohol at Costco in Illinois. Here's an earlier discussion.

Did you see it at the Lincoln Park location?

Yes, at LP--and also at the one in Bolingbrook so I think it's likely at all in this area.

Darren (and others),

Many thanks for the websites and advice. I had always assumed that it was a troop of Iowa farmgirls mashing the rye beneath their toes. Dreams die hard.

I plan to purchase a bottle of Templeton's before I finish the Jefferson and have a blind taste test (while daydreaming of those rye mashers).

A bit tangential, but you might consider trying Smooth Ambler Old Scout Rye. Same mash bill as Templeton (95% rye, 5% malted barley) but mercifully at proof.

I've never had the 'old' Templeton to compare to, but I dislike the current Templeton immensely, finding it thin and dull (although I am heavily biased against anything below 90 proof). Smooth Ambler is remarkably, well, smooth for something that is so high in rye and carries a kind of sweetness, without being cloying (Dickel, I'm looking at you). I don't know - maybe give it a shot?

In other news, this thread make me look at Binny's website where I discovered that Willett rye is back in stock

Thanks Retzie--that sounds terrific. I drink more rye than anything else and agree about the templeton--for $33 it was fine for mixing but nothing special. I'm going to check it out as soon as I get back from vacation.