Review: Templeton Rye 13 Years Old

Iowa’s Templeton Whiskey has launched the first in a new collection of bottlings called Hidden Stash. Intended to support “the pinnacle of its aging program,” the series begins with a 13 year old rye whiskey, sourced from Indiana.

It’s made from a classic 95% rye/5% barley MGP mash and matured in heavy char barrels before bottling at 54% abv. 3456 bottles were produced, each individually numbered on the label.

Templeton earned a spot on our 2025 top 20 whiskeys of the year list. Let’s see how this bottling fares in comparison.

Templeton Rye 13 Years Old Review

The nose of the whiskey is enchanting and lively, the gritty, peppery herbaceousness of a typical American rye well-tempered by ample time in barrel. Notes of fresh mint and vanilla offer a lively attack, though time in glass coaxes out a significant tobacco character and a healthy touch of anise — adding gravity to an effusive and easygoing entree.

The palate’s a bit more intense. The tobacco notes build here alongside a significantly greener character, with herbal notes of rosemary and thyme well-represented up top. With time in glass, dark chocolate and anise become more prominent, with later game notes of maple and menthol rising in tone. Throughout it all that hoppy, slightly earthy character that is endemic to rye maintains its grip, leading to a lengthy and peppery finish with overtones of cloves and a dribble of molasses.

Fans of old MGP rye will find this right in line with expectations, with the punch of a higher abv to give it extra oomph.

108 proof.

A- / $170

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