Sagamore Spirit, a well-regarded name in the world of rye whiskey, has just unveiled a significant new release: the Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey. This product represents the first time the distillery has created a whiskey made entirely in Maryland, marking a key milestone for the Baltimore-based brand.
Image credit: Sagamore Spirit
Sagamore Spirit began its journey in 2017 with the goal of reviving Maryland's rich rye whiskey tradition. Before Prohibition, Maryland was a significant player in the rye whiskey market, accounting for a third of the nation’s supply. With their latest release, Sagamore Spirit is not only honoring this legacy but also pushing the boundaries of flavor and quality in rye whiskey.
The Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey is crafted from 100% Maryland-distilled rye whiskey. The grains used in the whiskey are sourced through Sagamore Spirit's dedicated Farm-to-Table process, ensuring high quality and supporting local agriculture. The whiskey is a blend of two unique mash bills – high rye and low rye – that undergo triple distillation, enhancing its smoothness. After distillation, the whiskey matures for four to six years before being blended into small 20-barrel batches.
The final product is a 93-proof (46.5% alcohol by volume) whiskey, boasting a smooth yet complex flavor profile. Tasting notes reveal traditional baking spices mingled with the sweetness of golden apples. The whiskey also features layers of caramel, honey, and brown sugar, rounded off with a mild oak and balanced fruit finish. On the nose, it offers a rich blend of warm spices and vanilla.
Ryan Norwood, the Vice President of Operations at Sagamore Spirit, expressed his excitement about the new release. "Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey is our first 100% Maryland-made whiskey available worldwide, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with whiskey lovers across the globe," Norwood said. "We are proud to unveil the first expression of many made entirely at our distillery while honoring Maryland’s rich whiskey heritage."
In addition to its dedication to quality, Sagamore Spirit is committed to sustainability and supporting the local farming community. The grains used in the Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey are 100% non-GMO, reflecting the brand's Farm-to-Table philosophy.
Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey is now available at select retailers for $39.99. For more details on Sagamore Spirit and their range of rye whiskeys, visit their website at SagamoreSpirit.com or follow them on Instagram (@sagamorespirit). As always, savor responsibly.
Shop Sagamore Spirit
About Sagamore Spirit
Sagamore Spirit is a relatively young but rapidly growing American whiskey brand, based in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 2013, Sagamore Spirit takes pride in producing Maryland-style rye whiskey, paying homage to the region's historical significance in the American whiskey tradition. The brand draws its name from Sagamore Farm, a historic thoroughbred horse farm in Maryland that was once owned by Alfred G. Vanderbilt.
Sagamore Spirit is known for its commitment to quality and a hands-on approach to crafting its whiskey. The distillery employs a "Whiskey Advocacy Team" that is actively involved in the production process, from selecting grains to monitoring the aging barrels. The brand emphasizes transparency in its production methods, providing consumers with insight into the sourcing of ingredients and the distillation process.
A significant aspect of Sagamore Spirit's identity is its focus on rye whiskey. Rye has a long history in Maryland, and Sagamore seeks to revive and celebrate this heritage. The distillery uses a blend of corn and rye grains, creating a distinctive flavor profile characterized by a balance of sweetness and spice. The water used in production comes from a limestone aquifer, adding to the unique characteristics of Sagamore's whiskey.
Sagamore Spirit offers a variety of expressions, including their flagship product, the Sagamore Spirit Straight Rye Whiskey. They also produce limited-edition releases, allowing enthusiasts to explore different facets of their craft. The distillery has gained attention not only for the quality of its whiskey but also for its commitment to sustainable practices, such as repurposing spent grains as cattle feed.
Visitors to the Sagamore Spirit Distillery in Baltimore can experience guided tours that take them through the whiskey-making process, from the mashing of grains to the final aging stages. The distillery's waterfront location provides a picturesque backdrop for tastings and events, contributing to the overall experience of immersing oneself in the history and craftsmanship of Sagamore Spirit.
