Whiskey and barbecue – what could be a better combo?
On July 13th, Templeton Distillery hosted an event at Pig Beach in Astoria to preview their limited-edition Barrel Strength 2022 expression. Templeton has a reputation of producing some of the highest quality rye whiskey and does not cut any corners when producing this amazing spirit. And to showcase the new expression, Templeton provided for a fun tasting of four of their expressions and how the flavors change over the course of each year. The first expression guests got to try was the Barrel Strength 2018 which is matured in flame charred American oak barrels and had wonderful noted of black pepper as well as butterscotch. The second expression was the Barrel Strength 2019 which was made by storing the rye whiskey in barrels of various ages and maturity which created a complex spice forward flavor giving notes of cinnamon, clove, and hints of vanilla. The next expression guests enjoyed was the Barrel Strength 2020 which was an flavor packed whiskey with a punch of spices and oakiness which quickly envelopes your palate in notes of maple syrup and baking spices. And the last expression guests tasted was the Barrel Strength 2022 which had a sweet honey aroma to the nose and when sipped your palate gets beautiful notes of toffee and a creaminess to it.
After the tasting, guests were able to enjoy quality barbecue delights that were smoked with templeton barrel wood chips which infuses the whiskey flavor into the food. The offerings served were staples of any barbecue meal being mac n cheese, baked beans, smoked turkey, brained pork shoulder, chicken wings, coleslaw, and a delicious cornbread. Pairing the food with the templeton cocktails was a fun bridge in flavor and gave guests a deeper appreciation for Templeton Whiskey.