Templeton Rye Barrel Strength

Templeton normally cuts all its expressions to 46%, but for the Barrel Strength expression they left the rye whiskey untouched and it was bottled at 113.1 Proof, which translates to 55.55% ABV.

Yes, that's a pleasant nose with notes of caramel, blueberries, meringue and walnuts. Lemongrass and mint. And despite the high ABV, it does not burn on the nose at all. Pleasant.

Nice and oily and relatively intense on the tongue. Very sweet start on a cartload of caramel, supplemented with walnuts and sweet notes, but at the same time very spicy. Chili peppers without end – I gasp for breath. But after the salivary glands have extinguished things a bit, orange juice and walnuts come back on, as well as some menthol and even some milk chocolate.

The finish is creamy, peppery and sweet. Orange liqueur on the deathbed – I didn't see that coming.

This is without a doubt the best I have tasted from Templeton Rye.