Templeton Midnight Rye
Templeton Midnight Rye is a 90-proof (45% ABV) 750mL rye whiskey with a twist the brand states explicitly: instead of aging the whiskey in wine casks, Templeton blended sourced straight rye — 95% rye / 5% malted barley, matured in virgin American oak — directly with a subtle touch of premium dark port wine. Blended and bottled at the Templeton Distillery in Templeton, Iowa (the sourced-from-whom is undisclosed; do not name a source distillery), it earned Triple Gold and 95 points at the 2024 MLSA Global Spirits Competition plus Gold at the 2024 San Diego International Spirits Competition. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: no age statement (rye age undisclosed)
- Blend: sourced straight rye (95/5 mash bill, virgin American oak) + a touch of dark port wine — NOT a barrel finish
- Origin: blended and bottled at Templeton Distillery, Templeton, Iowa
- Awards: Triple Gold + 95 pts, 2024 MLSA; Gold, 2024 San Diego International Spirits Competition
Not Finished — Blended
Most wine-influenced whiskeys get there by barrel; Midnight Rye gets there by blending, and Templeton is unusually candid about the distinction. The result is more direct — the dark port wine shows as lush berry fruit woven through the rye's pepper and spice, rather than the tannic, oaky version a finish would give. The purple "midnight sky" label matches the pour: dark, rich, a little mysterious. See the Templeton collection and the rye whiskeys at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Dark berries and plum over rye spice — black pepper, caraway, cinnamon — with vanilla and oak from the virgin barrels. The port-wine touch shows as lush, jammy fruit through the mid-palate, and the finish is long and warming with lingering berry and spice.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of water — the port influence is the point, so don't bury it. It makes a dark, brooding Manhattan for drinkers who like their whiskey cocktails on the rich side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Midnight Rye finished in port barrels?
No — it is a direct blend of straight rye with a touch of dark port wine, which the brand distinguishes explicitly from barrel finishing.
Is Templeton Midnight Rye sourced?
The rye component is sourced straight rye; the blend is bottled at Templeton's own Iowa distillery. The source distillery is not publicly stated.
What does the port wine add?
Dark berry fruit and a lush, rounded mid-palate layered over the rye's natural spice.
Dark fruit meets rye spice — buy Templeton Midnight Rye online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.