Alcohology Tour Launched in Carroll County

Carroll County, Iowa has launched a local Alcohology tour spearheaded by the Chamber in conjunction with local breweries, distilleries and wineries. The Alcohology tour was designed to bring awareness to the fine alcohol artisans who create everything from locally brewed beer, small batch whiskey and aged wine. No matter what your taste is, you are sure to find something that you love here.

The Carroll County Alcohology tour takes guests on a journey through Carroll’s charming communities and quaint downtowns. Experiencing the community is part of the excitement, and so is discovering Carroll’s hidden gems like one-of-a-kind boutiques and farm-to-table restaurants. Along the tour, guests will visit Templeton Rye, Iowa Legendary Rye, Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery and Carroll Brewing Co.

Templeton Rye

History buffs, whiskey aficionados, tourists and daytrip adventurists can all find something to enjoy on the tour of Templeton Rye. Guests get to be in the heart of the action – peeking into imported stills, hearing the whir of the fermenters and visiting with employees on the bottling line. The museum is equally impressive and provides a truly innovative and interactive experience. The tasting room offers samples of Templeton Rye’s world class, premium, 6-year signature reserve, available only in the gift shop. Stylish and unique swag, including apparel, cocktail specialty items and more are also available for purchase in the gift shop. Templeton Rye has received many significant accolades in the spirits industry, achieved its one-million bottle mark, and shared its spirits across the nation and the world.

Iowa Legendary Rye

Visiting Iowa Legendary Rye is another important stop on the tour. Each run of Iowa Legendary Rye is created in small batches, hand-crafted just like grandma use to make. Using the recipe that one of Templeton, Iowa’s original bootleggers, Lorine Sextro, used when her family farm was home to a closely guarded secret distilling operation, Iowa Legendary Rye is mashed, distilled and bottled on site in Carroll. The rye grain is grown right here in Carroll County by local farmer, Brian Irlbeck. The stills have been custom built based on old-school technology, giving Iowa Legendary Rye an authentic rye taste. Each bottle is hand labeled and individually numbered so you know exactly which barrel aged your one-of-a-kind bottle of rye.

Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery

Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery is located in downtown Carroll and a popular destination for wine lovers. A family owned and operated winery, Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery was established in 2005 when an old car dealership was converted into a Tuscan winery. When visiting, you can taste over 30 different wines ranging from dry to sweet, big bold reds to light and fruity whites inside or relax in the courtyard or in front of one of the fireplaces. Also located in the old Santa Maria Winery is Carroll’s newest steakhouse, Baratta’s, so you can enjoy delicious food in an amazing setting.

Carroll Brewing Co.

Beer lovers will also enjoy the tour and their stop at Carroll Brewing Co. Their taproom is housed in the same building as the brewery and has a 100-seat capacity. The atmosphere maintains much of the character of the historic space with exposed brick, original floors and a custom-built bar made out of 100-year old reclaimed retail pieces. Plus, with 30 draft lines, there’s a beer on tap for everyone. If beer isn’t your style, try some hard cider or local wine.