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Straight from the still
 Hi everyone,
I would like to reach out and send a big thank to you everyone for the kind words and deeds expressed before and after the passing of my father, Meryl Kerkhoff.
It's been said "A person's wealth is not measured by what they have accumulated as personal possessions, but rather by the amount of friends they have." By the assembly of friends at dad's funeral, he was a wealthly man.
I know I might miss someone - so if I do, I'll apologize in advance. First off, a huge thank you to my partner and friend Scott Bush for getting the news of dad's death out to the newsletter list and the emotional tribute he wrote for dad. Thank you very much, Scott. That release prompted Steve Long with Channel 44, who had interviewed dad several years ago, to do a tribute on KMEG TV in Sioux City. Thanks to Steve Long and his crew.
Thank you to Channel 13 TV Des Moines and Radio Iowa for the news segments they broadcasted. Thank you to Jason Walsmith for the toast at Rock and Rye last Saturday night. Thanks to Fred Weissmuller and his family for the catered breakfast, beautiful bouquets and plants from Wirtz Beverage of Illinois and Wirtz Beverage of Iowa and Infinium Spirits of California.
Thank you to Kevin Boersma and the Templeton Rye team for the toast to dad at the cemetery. Everyone got a chuckle out of that and it lifted our family's heavy hearts - it was excellent timing. A big thank you to Father Grallup, The Knights of Columbus (both 3rd and 4th degree), the choir, and to all the alter society ladies, for the food and food preparation. To all the neighbors and friends, a big thank you. A big thanks to the long-traveled relation and friends - one
cousin even traveled all the way from Connecticut.
Thank you to my college football teammates and their families. Most importantly, a big thank you to all the doctors and nurses for your excellent care giving during dad's visits, he knew everyone on a first-name basis. To my mother and two sister-in-laws, in the medical field, a huge thank you for the care giving you provided. Dad expressed many times how he was thankful to have you at his side. It's been said "the greatest gift a parent can give their children is
to love their spouse." Thanks mom and dad for loving each other and making us a great family.
Sincerely,
Keith Kerkhoff, Distiller and Co-Founder
Third Annual Rock and Rye Celebration - July 31st, 2010
Two days before Rock and Rye, we were shuffling around the distillery, staring at our shoes and asking ourselves whether we should cancel the event. We had just learned of the death of our patriarch and Master Distiller, Meryl Kerkhoff.
For a moment it seemed like the world could not go on without him. It didn't take long though before we all came to the same realization that "the show must go on." That was not only what Meryl would want, but we would use it to pay tribute to the man, and use the festival to celebrate his life and legacy.
On Saturday, July 31st, 2010, that is exactly what we did. We celebrated with the third annual Rock and Rye festival in Templeton, Iowa. Being the third year, I think people were starting to get the hang of it. There were people milling about for tours an hour before we opened the doors. Mother nature blessed us with relatively mild temperatures and clear skies. The day started with tours of the distillery led by none other than Distiller Keith Kerkhoff and the founder and
president of the company, Scott Bush. It was clear the that crowd that had amassed were true Templeton Rye fans and were looking for not only a taste of The Good Stuff, but also a taste of the behind the scenes process and history of the company
Keith and Scott led tours for a solid four hours. While outside the distillery, the town of Templeton set up a beer garden to help keep people refreshed while waiting for the music to start. The entertainment started at 7:30 with local favorites, Aged Spirits followed by a marathon set by my band The Nadas who returned for our third year. Somehow the crowd and the spirit of the night convinced us to play the unofficial Templeton Rye theme song three times over the course of
the evening. People danced, sang along, and overall had a pretty nice evening. And we did it all in honor of Meryl Kerkhoff, whose presence was felt the entire day and night, and will continue to be with us forever
A digital download of The Nadas' live concert at Rock and Rye is available for sale here, and their musical tribute to Meryl Kerkhoff is also available as a free download here.
View a video recap of the celebration below.
Come see us at the Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair is kicking off on Thursday, August 12th, and we'd love to see you there! Stop by and see us in Booth 756 in the Varied Industries Building, on the main floor. We'll be selling merch and displaying our countdown to Batch 4.
New in the online store: TR rocks glasses
New to the Templeton Rye online store are these TR rocks glasses, perfect for serving (or sipping) your favorite classic whiskey cocktail. Get a set of four today for $20 in the online store.
If you have any questions or need more information about any of the events listed in our newsletter, don't hesitate to drop us a line at info@templetonrye.com.
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© 2010 Templeton Rye Spirits, LLC, Templeton, Iowa |
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