National Repeal Day: Where to Buy Fine Wine and Spirits in Johnston

It’s National Repeal Day. And, what, you didn’t shop? Don’t worry, we have a list of places in Johnston where you can buy beers, wines and spirits to celebrate the anniversary of the end of Prohibition.

But first, a bit of history about the “Noble Experiment” – Prohibition, that is. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union – Carrie Nation and that bunch – believed alcohol was the root of many, if not all, social ills.

After many years of campaigning – and by campaigning, we mean tavern vandalizing, bottle smashing and generally riling up  the whiskey swilling masses  – Congress on Jan. 16, 1919 passed the 18th Amendment outlawing alcohol and, presumably, putting an end to drunkenness, crime, mental illness and poverty.

That, of course, didn’t stop the entrepreneurial folks in Templeton, Iowa, who went under the radar and organized what has to be one of the greatest shows of community unity of all time and put together a bootlegging operating that attracted the likes of Al Capone, who baptized the rye whiskey “The Good Stuff.”

Congress finally got it in 1933 and 79 years ago today, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution repealed Prohibition.

Templeton Rye has been resurrected in legal form, using the original Kerkhoff family recipe, and you can buy it in Iowa and a handful of other states without fear of raising the ire of hatchet-wielding temperance advocates.

The small-batch whiskey is easier to find than it was when the first few bottles were released in late 2006.

Look for it in Johnston at grocery stores, liquor stores and even convenience stores like Casey’s General Store and Kum & Go.

Some other Iowa labels you might want to consider Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey, distilled near Cedar Rapids in Swisher. The distillery also offers Clearheart Triple Distilled Vodka and Dark Rum.

Iowa’s wine industry has quadrupled in the last 20 years, according to the Iowa Wine Growers Association. In Johnston, check out WineStyles.

Did we mention Iowa beers? In Johnston, local brews are available at WineStyles and Hy-Vee Spirits.

Not wanting to bring the drinks home with you? Head to a local bar:

• Okoboji Grill, 8481 Birchwood Court,
• Pickett's Pub, 6014 Northwest 59th Court
• Legends American Grill, 8460 Birchwood Court
• Escape Lounge, 8843 Northpark Court
• Doc's Lounge, 8805 Chambery Boulevard
• Joe's Pub, 5500 Merle Hay Road
• The Boat House, 7695 Northwest Beaver Drive
  
• The Cab, 8460 Birchwood Court