Drink Like Al Capone: Templeton Rye Available in Beijing

Famed as a favored tipple of Al Capone, Templeton Rye Whiskey is now available in Beijing - and we've got a bottle to give away. For more on the Capone link and how to win, read on.

According to a legend enthusiastically promoted by the makers of Templeton, during the Prohibition era Al Capone used to lie low in little old Dubuque, Iowa, when things got heavy in Chicago. Despite Prohibition, Alphonse and Frances Kerkhoff had continued making their rye whiskey in the small town of Templeton, Iowa, and so it was that Templeton Rye ended up becoming a Scarface favorite.

Templeton was revived a few years back by the Kerkhoffs' descendents, still using the original Prohibition era recipe, and although there are long waits for it - up to six months in Iowa and San Francisco, we're told - distributors Dxcel have brought a batch to Beijing. Home Plate Bar-B-Que were first to get their hands on the stuff - the photograph on the right is of the very first Beijing customer enjoying a Templeton Rye cocktail last Saturday. A glass on the rocks will cost you RMB 65 at Home Plate, where manager Adam is working on building a collection of bourbons. Boss Adam rates the Templeton highly, commenting: "There’s not a huge selection of bourbons in China, and this is a good one. Rye whiskey is not as popular as it used to be, but seems to be making a comeback."

American Cafe are supposed to be getting Templeton in this week, with Mesh and Fubar also expected to be stocking the rye soon. A colleague describes Templeton as "Delicious, smoky, and slightly bitter, with a hint of cardamom," but to judge for yourself, enter our competition to win a 750ml bottle. All you have to do is tell us: What was Al Capone eventually found guilty of and imprisoned for? Email your answers to win@thebeijinger.com. Closing date: Noon, Friday, July 1.

For more on Templeton Rye, see their website.

Photos: Prairieghosts.com, Home Plate Bar-B-Que