2020 Q3 Iowa Spirits - 28

cross the state of Iowa, more than a
dozen distilleries, from small to large, produce a variety of liquors: vodka, gin, moonshine, bourbon, rye and other whiskies, and more.
The quality of their spirits that can be appreciated
by any who recognize the complexities of crafted
liquors. From Templeton Rye, which distributes
throughout the U.S. and internationally, to small,
native distilleries, Iowa's distilleries represent a
wide range of business models.
This state of affairs gives Iowans a range of
choices for their drinking pleasure. They can experience distillery tasting rooms and tours throughout
the state, all subject to conditions being acceptable for gatherings. They can pick up a diversity
of local spirits for home enjoyment at tasting rooms

TEMPLETON RYE DISTILLERY

Among Templeton Distillery's plans for 2020 is a limited, one-time release of
a 10-year-old corn-based whiskey aged in ex-Templton Rye barrels.

and retailers. Iowans can even enjoy many of these
liquors at local bars and restaurants. Interested in
knowing more? Here's a peek at a few Iowa distilleries-who they are and what's new.

TEMPLETON RYE, TEMPLETON
The story of Templeton Rye whiskey begins in 1917,
with the national proposition for Prohibition. When
the sale of liquor became illegal in 1920, rebellious
residents of Templeton began making their own rye
whiskey, which was dubbed "The Good Stuff," and
soon began shipping their goods to Chicago and
its notorious speakeasies. Fast forward to 2006,
when the founders of the modern Templeton Rye
(including Meryl Kerkhoff, son of Alphons Kerkhoff,
one of the early bootleggers) released their first
bottles of new and legal "good stuff."
Since then, the distillery has expanded and distributed its award-winning stuff throughout the U.S.
and into Canada. Now Templeton Rye boasts a new,
34,000-square-foot distillery, complete with museum
and a 55,000-square-foot barrel aging warehouse.
"Since our grand opening, we have had over
12,500 visitors pass through our doors," says Tim
Grimes, senior brand ambassador for Templeton
Distilling. Guests have come from across the U.S.
and more than 20 other countries. This year, the
distillery added Sundays to the weekly tour
schedule.
"We also have plans to make some minor
updates and changes to our visitor center this spring,
giving an even better tour experience to our valued
guests," says Grimes.
As far as spirits go, Grimes says, "With the build-

28 IOWA SPIRITS

2020 Q3 Iowa Spirits

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