I wanted to take a minute and update you all on some strategic issues so you have updated (and correct) information. First, we greatly increased our monthly allocation to the State of Iowa in October, November and December, so you should have an easier time finding a bottle of The Good Stuff for the holidays. Speaking of Iowa, we are on pace to increase the amount of product sold in Iowa in 2011 by 210% over 2010 (22,000 cases vs. 7,100 cases). We are very happy that we have been able to increase this figure and are working hard to continue to do so in the future. We are still far from reaching demand in our home state but are certainly trending the right way.

A lot of people are surprised to hear this but Templeton Rye is still only sold in four markets: Iowa, Illinois, San Francisco and New York. Illinois continues to be a great market for us led by our most famous customer AZ-85′s old stomping grounds of Chicago. We entered New York City and San Francisco last December with the goal of initially establishing Templeton Rye at a select group of high-end bars and restaurants. We have been very successful in achieving this with our distribution partners and are now adding new accounts and focusing on building consumer awareness of Templeton Rye. (So if you live there and have a good idea for an event, please let us know).

I am sharing all of this because we recently had a strategy meeting and, despite a significant increase in product upcoming, we are not planning to enter any additional markets until 2014. We apologize to all of the states on our short list but we are committed to continuing to grow our supply to Iowa and maintaining adequate supply to support our partners in Chicago, San Francisco and New York. The bartender community in each of these markets has really embraced our product and we want to establish Templeton Rye as the rye whiskey of choice in these markets prior to moving on.

Thank you all for your continued support and all the best to you and yours.

Cheers,
Scott Bush, President, Templeton Rye

Michael Killmer, Templeton Rye Brand Manager and Brand Ambassador for Chicago, teamed up with HBO and LivingSocial for the Exclusive Boardwalk Empire Season Two Yacht Party in Chicago on Sunday, September 25. The cruise was a ticketed event by LivingSocial with 160 people in attendance.

Fashioned in their finest 1920s-inspired attire, the patrons hopped aboard the Prohibition era cruise to celebrate the return of the Boardwalk Empire series. The luxury yacht from Kanan Cruises was decked out in roaring twenties style with Templeton Rye décor and barrels. As they set sail from Navy Pier, patrons had the chance to participate in a variety of mob-friendly activities. The three-hour yacht party included blackjack instruction in the gambling parlor, cigar-rolling lessons, appetizers, whiskey tastings, a Templeton Rye Manhattan cocktail demonstration and an exclusive sneak peek of the Season 2 premiere.

Patrons were invited to partake in a whiskey tasting where they sipped on samples of Templeton Rye, along with three bourbons, including Woodford Reserve, Bulliet and Buffalo Trace. After the whiskey tasting and education and a viewing of the Boardwalk Empire trailer, they visited Michael Killmer at the Templeton Rye Manhattan demo station (all product provided by Kanan Cruises), where he taught them the history and proper procedure for making the Templeton Manhattan and gave them the opportunity to make their own.

Here are a few photos from the event.

Be sure to download our exclusive Templeton Rye-inspired viewing party kit and check out our Pinterest board for more inspiration and ideas for Prohibition era fashion, food and cocktail recipes. You can also pick up some iconic flapper and dapper gangster fashion tips from Des Moines fashion blogger Lacy Brunnette on LacyBrunnette.com.

Fashion ideas courtesy of Juliet DeRose and Jen Abrams, Stylist, JenAbrams.com

The Female Look
The 1920s were all about rebellion. So use this opportunity to let loose and break the rules of
fashion. Start off with a sexy ultra-feminine dress. Think lace, chiffon, sequins and fringe. Don’t shy
away from bold jewel tones and warm reds and purples! Then, make it your own by incorporating
flirty accessories like bangles, statement cocktail rings, fingerless gloves and maybe even a cloche
hat. Keep your make-up understated except for a dramatic bold lip. Add vampy red nails and you’re
ready to dance all night… among other things.

Complete Looks
Click the images below to visit polyvore.com and find out how to get these 1920s-inspired complete looks.

Dresses
Option #1: Try this sleeveless silk-chiffon dress with rhinestone and beaded scoop neck, asymmetrical tiers with beaded fringe at shirttail hem, allover bead accents and tiny pintucks by Haute Hippie. “Flapper Dress” found at 25park.com.

Option #2: Try this chiffon dress, hand-beaded detail, fully lined blush dress by Haute Hippie. “Trish Rose Flapper Dress” found at 25park.com.

Accessories

From left to right, top row: Art deco 14k silver diamond accent cocktail ring, jcpenney.com; Max and Chloe Necklace, maxandchloe.com; Earrings charmandchain.com, ASOS Origami Pleated Deco Clip On Earrings asos.com; Belfry Tara Floral Bow Cloche, hatsinthebelfry.com; bottom row: Venezia Gondola Clutch, jillmilan.com; Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio NARS, narscosmetics.com; ASOS Black Beaded Deco Clutch, asos.com.

The Male Look
There’s nothing sexier than a man in a suit. Channel your inner Nucky Thompson and make a powerful
statement with a fitted suit. Leave those tired gray and black ones in the closet and experiment with different hues and patterns. Don’t over think the styling; a crisp white shirt is always appropriate and always a fashion “do.” Coordinate your tie and pocket square to complement the suit. Perhaps a deep red or gold paired with a navy suit? Finally, every proper man needs an exceptional timepiece so incorporate a classic wristwatch or vintage-inspired pocket watch.

Men’s Suit

Ludlow two-button suit jacket with double-vented back in cashmere, J. Crew

Tie

Ermenegildo Zegna textured paisley tie in burgundy, Neiman Marcus

Pocket Watch

Relic two-toned pocket watch, JC Penney

“Boardwalk Empire” returns on Sunday, September 25 at 9 p.m. on HBO.

When it came to entertaining in the 1920s, food dishes were simple yet classy, such as a perfectly chopped Caesar salad or dainty and delightful finger sandwiches. Below are a few ideas and recipes for some easy-to-prep, 1920s-inspired dishes to serve up on premiere night.

Americans had a sweet tooth and a well-developed sense of ordered creativity in the 1920s, which translated into fruit cocktails, pineapple upside-down cake and Jell-O molds. Try this no-hassle recipe for Easy Pineapple Upside-Down Cake via BettyCrocker.com.

Image via flickr kimberlykv

Finger sandwiches were very popular in the 1920s due to the invention of sliced bread. Try one (or all) of these five delicious finger sandwich recipes via myrecipes.com.

Image via flickr kattekrab

The Caesar salad was first created in 1924 by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico. The salad became a family favorite and fashionable among celebrities, increasing the popularity of salads in general. With the basic ingredients of lettuce, parmesan and croutons, dressed with garlic, lemon, egg, olive oil and Worcestershire sauce, this dish is easy to prepare and a refreshing combo with your finger sandwiches. Impress your guests with this classic Caesar salad recipe by Lynn Lewis via allrecipes.com.

Image via flickr VirtualErn

Check out our exclusive Templeton Rye-inspired “Boardwalk Empire” viewing party kit here for more ideas and inspiration for Prohibition Era food, fashion and cocktails. Boardwalk Empire returns on Sunday, September 25 at 9 p.m. on HBO.

No party is complete without a signature cocktail, and we all know that Nucky’s favorite spirit was rye whiskey, so we asked a few of our favorite mixologists to help us create three 1920s-inspired Templeton Rye cocktails for you to enjoy while watching the season premiere.

Hello, Holy Rollers!
Creator: Joshua Pearson, Head Bartender at Sepia
2 oz. Templeton Rye
¾ oz. Barolo Chinato
¾ oz. Dry White Port
½ oz. Lemon Juice
1 dash Angostura Bitters

Shake ingredients in cocktail shaker.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Templeton Typewriter
Creator: Kris Von Dopek, Libations Program Manager at Duchamp Libations
2 oz. Templeton Rye
1 oz. Tawny Port
½ oz. Real Maple Syrup
3 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Build in a mixing glass and stir.
Strain over ice in an old fashioned glass.



The Nucky
Creator: Eric Hay, Wirtz Beverage Illinois
1 and ½ oz. Templeton Rye
1 oz. Cherry Herring Liqueur
½ oz. Luxardo Bitter Liqueur or Campari
¾ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
¼oz. Fresh Orange Juice
1 Dash Angostura Bitters
Garnish: 2 Luxardo cherries skewered

Build all ingredients in a shaker tin, add ice and shake hard for 8-10 seconds.
Double strain into a double old fashioned glass with fresh ice.

Stay tuned for more “Boardwalk Empire” viewing party how-to tips, ideas and inspiration. Next up, era-appropriate food dishes to prep for your party.

I wanted to share this story and some pictures with you to show my appreciation for “The Good Stuff” on our memorable day.

My wife Sarah and I live in Peoria, AZ, but were both born and raised in Dubuque, IA. We got married this past May in Dubuque. As the day was approaching I was trying to think of something memorable to do with my groomsmen. I chose to do a toast to the guys that were sharing this day with me, and I wanted to toast with a drink that had roots in Iowa, the same as all the men in our wedding. I chose Templeton Rye.

I must say one of the toughest parts of preparing for our wedding was trying to find a bottle of Templeton Rye. After driving around town for an afternoon I remembered a friend of mine worked at the Hy-Vee liquor department and might be my last chance. We discovered right away when we walked in the store that they were, of course, out of Templeton Rye. I asked my friend when they usually get their shipment in, but he was uncertain if they had any coming in before our wedding on Saturday. Fate was on our side, as he called me Friday morning and had a bottle waiting for me. I was set.

I want to let you know that I did get to do my toast, as you’ll see in the pictures. My initial thought was to never take a drink from the bottle again, but now that I see how much is left, I’ve decided to I’ll take a shot from it for the milestone anniversaries of our special day, while I take in all the memories.

I’d like to thank you for the memories and those to come with my bottle of Templeton Rye.

Sincerely,

Josh Mozena

Congratulations to Josh and Sarah Mozena. Thanks for toasting with “The Good Stuff” on your wedding day and for sharing these special memories with us. We wish you many more special memories to come. Cheers!

Based on the success we experienced last year and the huge amount of inquiries on our website, we have decided to do another round of volunteer bottling this year. We will be holding two weeks of volunteer bottling: October 24-28, during the five-year anniversary of our first bottling, and November 14-18 as we start to bottle Batch 5. The work is easy and you get to meet some really nice and interesting people. Templeton Rye supplies pizza each day and everyone gets a free t-shirt and, of course, a sample of The Good Stuff.

To reserve your spot for this year, please review dates and sign up here. Please make a point to only sign up for a spot if you will be able to make it, to help us manage on our end.

Fans who have been awaiting the return of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire can celebrate the series return by attending a viewing party on September 25 (premiere night) hosted by Templeton Rye. Templeton Rye, from tiny Templeton, Iowa was a favorite of Capone, a major character in the series. “We have several videos and documentation linking Capone to Templeton Rye. It was said to be his drink of choice, ” says Scott Bush, co-founder Templeton Rye.

Not only was Templeton Capone’s drink of choice – it was also a leading favorite among other citizens during prohibition. According to a Chicago Tribune article dated January 16, 1933, the renowned Templeton was “second only in popularity to raw alcohol and near beer.”

The Boardwalk Empire viewing party will take place at the 50′ Star Theater at the Science Center of Iowa and all proceeds will benefit SCI. “We are very excited about the event. Templeton Rye is a great Iowa product and SCI looks forward to this partnership to help support all the exhibits and programs that Iowans experience every day at SCI,” said Susan Kloewer, Director of Development at the Science Center of Iowa.

The evening begins at 6 pm with cocktails and hors d’ouevres. At 7:30 pm, the theater will show some Templeton Rye videos as ‘Previews’. Then minutes before the season opener of Boardwalk Empire, Scott Bush along with Keith Kerkhoff, Master Distiller will welcome the crowd. “Everyone is so excited about the series this season. We have reason to believe Templeton Rye will be making a guest appearance in at least the first couple of episodes,” said Kerkhoff.

At the event, Templeton will be served in a cocktail called the Nucky, after Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, mayor of Atlantic City who is played in the show by actor Steve Buscemi. “We’re really elated that we could partner with The Star Theater at the Science Center of Iowa and help raise funds for this center that is so much a part of the community,” says Bush. Only 60 tickets are available for the event and will be sold for $25 each. To purchase tickets call Kelly Henry at the Science Center of Iowa at (515) 274-6868 x223.

Smokey Lamb Chops with Templeton Black Cherry Sauce

Ingredients:
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup black cherry jelly
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ jalapeno, seeded, diced
• 1/2 cup Templeton Rye Whiskey
• 6 lamb chops
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Grilling Supplies:
• Charcoal Grill with Charcoal
• Lighter Fluid
• Matches
• Cherry Wood Chips

Directions:
1) Season lamb chops rubbing each side with olive oil and then with salt and pepper on both sides and<
let sit a room temperature for 30 minutes.
2) Soak a handful of wood chips in water for 30 minutes.
3) Heat oil in a small skillet over medium; add shallot and garlic. Cook until softened, stirring, about 2
minutes. Add jelly, honey, clove, cardamom, and jalapeno; whisk well to mix. Add Templeton; stir well.
4) Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally,
about 45 minutes. Keep warm on low heat.
5) Grilling the lamb chops on charcoal – there is an art in this. Start charcoal and allow burning for about
10-20 min, once charcoal is grayish, dividing it in half placing on each side of grill. Then drain the wood
chips and place on charcoal. Quickly place grate over charcoal, place lamb chops in the middle of the
grill. You are using indirect heat to cook the lamb chops and the cherry chips to enhance the smokey
cherry flavor. Cook 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning once.
6) Serve grilled lamb chops with warm sauce.