365 | Spirits | Rye, United States, $20 to $50

"You might read the backstory of this whiskey - the company claims it's a Prohibition-era recipe and was Al Capone's favorite - and think this is just marketing-driven hooch, but that's far from true. Templeton is a well-balanced rye that's perfect for the holidays. It has a nose of mint and pine and delivers smooth butterscotch and allspice. A true winter warmer. Mr. Capone apparently had very good taste."
Wall Street Journal

A blend of two straight whiskeys: a very young 2 year old high rye content whiskey and a 16 year old rye whiskey with a lower rye content. Perhaps the spiciest American whiskey I have ever tasted, yet at the same time, quite tame and mellow. Complex notes of mint, clove, cinnamon, licorice root, pine nuts, and dark chocolate, with a surprising dose of gin botanicals throughout. A soft underbelly of caramel, sweet corn, and soothing vanilla provides an interesting counterpoint. Very easy-drinking, too (hard to believe it’s 46%). Intriguing, and a must-try for rye whiskey aficionados — even if only to satisfy your curiosity.

"Rye has always been part of the Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 grain bill, but it has never been the lead grain until now. This is my exploration into the intriguing flavor drawn from premium rye. Only a limited number of bottles will be available so that the majority of the new rye can mature in our barrelhouse for a future release. This unaged rye offers a spicy, surprisingly sweet character that I hope you will enjoy."

"Deep amber copper color. Candied peanuts, cinnamon taffy, and honeyed golden raisin toast aromas follow through on a supple, round entry to a spicy, dry-yet-fruity full body with toasty fruit cake crust, cocoa, roasted caramelized nuts, and delicate anise. Finishes with a long, voluptuous sweet praline, wet stone and peppery spice fade. A smooth, delicious and sexy rye for sipping or mixing elegant cocktails." Gold Medal.