When we acquired our first Templeton Rye barrels in late 2009, we hadn’t yet conceived the beer that would later mature in them, but the first time we tasted Rye on Rye, we knew we’d created something special. It wasn’t until 2016 that we ventured out to create new takes on Rye on Rye that were inspired by our exploration (and delicious fun) of the Imperial Stout X Series.

Beginning with Rye on Rye ’16 that was held back, this year’s Thrillogy pack, Rye on Rye Thrillogy, features one 750 ml bottle each of the following beers:

Rye on Rye ‘16
Why Rye? This assertively flavorful grain is more often associated with whiskey than with ales. Even in that arena, it has largely been eclipsed by corn and barley, the sources of bourbon and scotch. But when we procured some seasoned barrels from our friends at Templeton Rye, we asked ourselves, “Why not?” Why not brew a rich, tawny rye ale, then mellow it in the warmth of charred oak rye whiskey casks? Two kinds of malted rye provide spicy sweetness, giving way to notes of caramelized wood and the citrusy tang of Perle, Magnum, and Saphir hops before easing into a dry, lingering finish.
12% ABV, 47 IBUs

Rye on Rye on Rye ‘17
Taking it one step further, Rye on Rye is aged a second time in first-use Templeton Rye whiskey barrels. Amazingly complex, it pours a dark auburn with hints of caramel, toffee, fig, plum, black cherry, tobacco and toasted oak. Because we could!
14.6% ABV, 33 IBUs

Rye on Rye – Classic Sazerac Cocktail
Capturing the essence of the classic Sazerac cocktail in beer form, this variation of Rye on Rye is infused with lemon peel, cinnamon, cardamom and star anise before aging in freshly emptied Templeton Rye casks. Spicy, with notes of black pepper and citrus, this beer is an expression of our love for a well-made cocktail.
11.8% ABV, 29 IBUs

Look for Rye on Rye Thrillogy packs to drop starting in the Greater Kansas City Area on October 10^th with other regions to follow soon. Areas that typically see Smokestack Series Limited Release beers like Saison Brett, Love Child blends or Rye on Rye are likely to see Rye on Rye Thrillogy in the coming weeks.

- Jeremy Danner, Ambassador Brewer