In the heart of Baltimore, where football fervor runs as deep as the Chesapeake Bay, Sagamore Spirit has unveiled a whiskey that captures the grit and glory of a legendary moment. The limited-edition Baltimore Ravens Festivus Maximus Small Batch Rye Whiskey is more than just a drink—it’s a tribute to the Ravens’ first World Championship win 25 years ago, a victory so iconic that players and coaches dubbed it “Festivus Maximus.” This third installment in Sagamore Spirit’s commemorative bottle series with the Baltimore Ravens, launched in September 2025, is a must-have for fans of both football and fine whiskey.
Sagamore Spirit, a Maryland distillery with a reputation for crafting world-class rye, partnered with the Ravens in 2023 to celebrate the team’s legacy. This latest release honors the unforgettable night in Tampa, Florida, when the Ravens dominated the New York Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV. That game, a defining moment for Baltimore, showcased the relentless spirit of the “Bullies of Baltimore,” a team known for its tenacity and heart. Each bottle of this rye whiskey proudly bears the Ravens’ logo, making it a collector’s item for those who bleed purple and black.
Image credit: Sagamore Spirit
This 100% Maryland-made rye whiskey is a testament to Sagamore’s commitment to quality. Crafted through a grain-to-glass process, the whiskey starts with non-GMO grains sourced from local Maryland farmers. Sagamore’s partnership with the farming community, including collaborations with the University of Maryland Agricultural Extension, ensures that every bottle reflects the state’s rich agricultural heritage. The rye is triple-distilled and aged in new charred oak barrels for a smooth, full-bodied profile. Bottled at 46.5% ABV (93 proof), it strikes a balance between bold flavor and approachable warmth, perfect for sipping neat or mixing into a classic cocktail.
The flavor profile of Festivus Maximus is as dynamic as the team it celebrates. On the nose, drinkers are greeted with aromas of classic baking spices—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—mingled with the crisp sweetness of golden delicious apples. The first sip delivers a rich wave of caramel, honey, and brown sugar, coating the palate with a velvety sweetness. As the whiskey settles, warm spice and honey notes linger, giving way to a gentle finish of mild oak and faded fruit. It’s a whiskey that feels both bold and refined, much like the Ravens’ performance on that historic night in 2001.
Ryan Norwood, Sagamore Spirit’s Vice President of Operations, expressed the distillery’s pride in the release. He emphasized that the whiskey not only celebrates the Ravens’ championship but also underscores Sagamore’s ongoing partnership with the team. The distillery, located on the Baltimore Peninsula, has become a beacon for whiskey lovers, drawing around 40,000 visitors each year. Its waterfront location and commitment to Maryland’s rye heritage have helped reestablish Baltimore as a powerhouse in American whiskey production, a role the city held for decades before Kentucky took the spotlight.
Sagamore’s approach to whiskey-making is rooted in tradition but driven by innovation. The distillery uses a two-mash-bill process, blending high-rye and low-rye whiskeys to create a signature Maryland-style rye that’s sweeter and smoother than its counterparts from Pennsylvania or Kentucky. The water used to proof the whiskey comes from a limestone-filtered spring at Sagamore Farm, built in 1909, adding a crisp, mineral-rich quality to the final product. This dedication to craft has earned Sagamore over 200 international awards, including “Best Rye Whiskey” at the 2023 John Barleycorn Awards.
For collectors and fans, the Festivus Maximus bottle is a piece of history. Priced at a suggested retail of $39.99, it’s available at Sagamore Spirit’s distillery and select premium retailers across Baltimore, Maryland. The limited-edition release began rolling out in September 2025, and given its commemorative nature, it’s likely to sell out quickly. Whether displayed on a shelf alongside Ravens memorabilia or enjoyed during a game-day toast, this whiskey is a fitting tribute to a team that embodies Baltimore’s unyielding spirit.
Sagamore Spirit’s broader mission is to craft the world’s best rye whiskey while staying true to Maryland’s roots. The distillery’s grain-to-glass philosophy not only ensures quality but also supports local farmers by purchasing seeds upfront and pledging to buy their harvests. This connection to the land gives every bottle a sense of place, making Festivus Maximus more than just a whiskey—it’s a celebration of Maryland pride, from the fields to the football field.
For those looking to experience the legacy of Maryland rye, Sagamore’s waterfront distillery offers tours and tastings, where visitors can sample expressions like Sagamore Small Batch Rye, Cask Strength Rye, and Double Oak Rye, alongside limited-time Reserve Series releases. The Festivus Maximus bottle, however, stands out as a unique offering, blending the worlds of sports and spirits in a way that resonates with Baltimore’s passionate fanbase.
As the Ravens continue to chase gridiron glory, Sagamore Spirit’s Festivus Maximus Small Batch Rye Whiskey serves as a reminder of that triumphant night 25 years ago. It’s a sip of history, a nod to tradition, and a toast to the enduring spirit of Baltimore. Grab a bottle while it lasts, pour a glass, and raise it high to the Ravens’ legacy.
