When prohibition outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages in 1920, many enterprising residents of tiny Templeton, Iowa, population 350, came together to create an American classic known as Templeton Rye Whiskey, or “The Good Stuff” to those in the know. Over the course of its storied history, Templeton Rye became Al Capone’s whiskey of choice, quickly finding its way to the center. Tastethedram had the opportunity to speak with the co-founder Keith Kerkhoff, the genius behind the Templeton Rye Whiskey.
Keith, I would like to kick off by asking what the backstory is of the Templeton Rye, how you came to be involved and what drew you to the project? Who else is involved in the company?
KK: My grandfather, Alphonse Kerkhoff was part of the town of Templeton, Iowa where many of the residents bootlegged this rye whiskey during prohibition. He and the townspeople made this sought after rye whiskey known as “The Good Stuff”. Legend has it Templeton Rye even became Al Capone’s whiskey of choice. Because of this farming community living outside the law to survive prohibition, we have this great spirit that lives on. I had experience making this whiskey with my grandfather and father before they passed away. In 2006, I worked with Scott Bush in bringing it to market legally.
What challenges did you face when you first decided to get into whisky distillation, that you can share with others looking to possibly to get into this field? What have been your proudest moments thus far?
KK: In the early years, we worked through growing pains as we got up and running.I remember when supply issues created early buzz in our first markets, Iowa and Illinois. Over the last decade, we expanded from a shoestring operation to a more modern facility producing thousands of bottles daily. Ten years of experience has taught us a lot—we’ve become more efficient, more deeply entwined in the community and more forward-looking about how we can invest in the next decade to grow the company not losing sight of the heritage of the town of Templeton and its people.
I am proud to have been part of the team in establishing Templeton Rye to where it is today. Thanks to our strong and valued distributor partners across the country for helping grow this brand.Today, you can find Templeton Rye in bars all over America in signature cocktails.
Can you tell us about where the Rye is made and what the maturation conditions are like?
KK: Templeton Rye is finished and bottled in our facility in Templeton, Iowa. We combine the distilled rye whiskey from our distilling partner, Midwest Grain Processors, with our proprietary formula and Templeton, Iowa, water in batches. Every drop has been bottled in Iowa, and the process hasn’t changed since we began.
What does your role entail? What does your day to day look like?
KK: I’m a co-founder of Templeton Rye.I oversee day to day operations at our facility in Templeton, Iowa to ensure that every drop, every bottle meets our quality standards. I am also heavily involved in bottle signings, visiting retailers, and sharing the brand across the United States.
“We are proud to increase our investment in the town of Templeton in keeping with our long-standing tradition of giving back to the community, and we look forward to breaking ground on our distillery next spring. We are confident that this project will drive tourism and bring economic benefits to the town of Templeton and the surrounding community as well as add to Templeton’s reputation as one of America’s premiere whiskies.” – Keith Kerkhoff
KK: Templeton Rye has a remarkable brand story deeply rooted in the small town community of Templeton, Iowa with a history going back to Prohibition.In the early 1920s, many defiant residents of this small Iowa town became outlaws — producing a high-caliber and much sought-after whiskey known as Templeton Rye. Thanks to its smooth finish, the American rye whiskey earned the nickname of The Good Stuff and quickly brought notoriety to the tiny town of Templeton with the population of only 350 people.
As this high-caliber spirit found its way to Chicago, by way of cattle cars destined for the great Chicago stockyards, it earned favor with Al Capone. Capone reportedly insisted on Templeton Rye as his personal drink of choice — serving family and friends only The Good Stuff.
Are there any plans in the near future, to break away from Rye Whiskey, and perhaps get into a Wheated bourbon?
KK: At this time, we are focused on our core Rye Whiskey product – we recently launched our 6 year release as well as a commemorative 10 year release to celebrate our 10th anniversary. That said, Templeton Rye was founded with a strong spirit of innovation and commitment to quality, so we are always looking at new ideas to continue to strengthen our reputation as “The Good Stuff.”
Since 2008, American whiskey has taken off, what with the expanding number of craft/artisan distilleries and the return of rye to popularity. Can you tell us, personally, what do you think is behind the boom?
KK: Consumers are increasingly looking to brands with distinctive stories, history, heritage and authenticity. Their palates are also looking for more adventurous experiences.
This has driven a shift from clear spirits like vodka to more distinctive brown spirits such as Bourbon and the quintessential American spirit of Rye whiskey. We at Templeton are proud to be one of the brands that helped inspire the Rye whiskey boom with our consumers. We are incredibly honored by the passion and support we have received over the last ten years. Thank you to our fans and customers!
What three words do you want people to associate with your whiskey?
KK: Delicious, quality and community
Keith, can you tell us are there any other distillers or distilleries who inspire you?
KK: There are so many incredible distillers and brands big and small that are delivering great products and fantastic liquids. We at Templeton are honored to often be considered amongst some of these top producers.
Where do you see the distillery 5 years from now? What are you hoping to be known for?
KK: We are very excited to announce construction the new Templeton Rye distillery, bringing the Good Stuff home to its roots. We will break ground on the distillery this spring and estimate construction to be complete 20-24 months later.
This represents a significant investment in the town and community of Templeton, Iowa. We will be constructing the distillery and a barrel-aging warehouses, and will be creating 27 additional jobs for the community.
We believe that Templeton, Iowa will become a whiskey mecca for aficionados around the country and a tourism destination for those interested in learning more about the unique community of Templeton.
We are proud to increase our investment in the town of Templeton in keeping with our long-standing tradition of giving back to the community, and we look forward to breaking ground on our distillery next spring. We are confident that this project will drive tourism and bring economic benefits to the town of Templeton and the surrounding community as well as add to Templeton’s reputation as one of America’s premiere whiskies.
Keith, do you guys have any special numbered bottles for collectors?
KK: Our commemorative 10 year release to celebrate our 10 year anniversary (October 2016) featured 6,080 bottles that were all hand numbered.
Templeton Rye Special Reserve 10 Year Old, a 10-year-aged collectors’ edition of our finest product to date. We released just 6,080 bottles, made from 34 barrels, all packaged in a hand-numbered bottle and sold in a commemorative box. I’m proud to say – they are nearly all sold out in just a few months!
We’re proud to celebrate a decade of Templeton Rye with such a high quality and exclusive, expression. In addition to a collector’s item, we see it as a tribute to all involved since the brand’s inception.
Tell us briefly about the Bootleggers Society.
KK: The Templeton Rye Bootleggers Society is a community of Templeton Rye whiskey enthusiasts – a club for fans to stay in the know about anything and everything having to do with The Good Stuff. Members receive a personalized membership ID, email updates and much more! Join today.
For more information on Templeton Rye, please visit the links below:
website: TempletonRye
facebook: @TempletonRyeFB
