Sagamore Spirit, a well-respected Baltimore-based distillery, is making waves with the release of its two newest rye whiskey expressions: the Sagamore 9-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey and the 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey. Both of these new additions to Sagamore's portfolio reflect the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and its mission to bring Maryland-style rye whiskey back into the spotlight.
Sagamore 9-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey: Aged to Perfection
The Sagamore 9-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey is now Sagamore's oldest age-statement release to date. This whiskey, aged for at least nine years in new charred American white oak barrels, showcases the depth and complexity that long-term aging can bring. At a robust 56.3% ABV, this expression promises a bold tasting experience, blending the flavors of sweet and spice that Sagamore rye fans have come to love.
The nose of the 9-year-old rye offers an inviting mix of peach preserves, graham crackers, and rich dark chocolate, setting the stage for what’s to come. On the palate, drinkers can expect to find vibrant notes of orange zest, pecan pie, peppery honey, and cinnamon toast, creating a rich, warm profile that leaves a lasting impression. This whiskey is part of Sagamore Spirit’s Reserve Series, a line known for honoring the brand’s Maryland roots while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond: A Testament to Quality
In November, Sagamore will also release its 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey. This whiskey has garnered attention as the oldest Bottled in Bond release from Sagamore Spirit to date. Bottled in Bond is a designation that dates back to 1897, setting strict regulations on how whiskey must be produced, aged, and bottled to earn the label. To be classified as Bottled in Bond, a whiskey must come from a single distillation season, be aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at exactly 100 proof.
Sagamore's 7-year-old Bottled in Bond rye was distilled, aged, and bottled entirely in Maryland, adding to its significance. Crafted from a blend of high rye and low rye mash bills, this whiskey was distilled in the fall of 2017, and it stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to high standards and transparency. This small-batch release is non-chill filtered and triple distilled, resulting in a layered, complex flavor profile.
Fans of Sagamore's rye whiskies can expect a symphony of flavors in the Bottled in Bond rye. The tasting experience includes notes of rye spice, brûléed sugar, and vanilla marshmallows, balanced by bright hints of orange zest, grilled apricots, and red berries. Additional layers of ginger spice cake, cacao, aromatic walnuts, and worn leather add depth and richness, while the rye spice leaves a lingering warmth on the palate.
The Significance of These Releases
Both of these new releases mark important milestones for Sagamore Spirit. The 9-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey, priced at $79.99, is the brand’s oldest whiskey to date, showcasing their expertise in aging and blending. Meanwhile, the 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond, available for $59.99, reinforces Sagamore’s dedication to producing high-quality whiskey that meets the rigorous standards of the Bottled in Bond designation.
Ryan Norwood, Sagamore Spirit’s Vice President of Operations, shared his excitement about the two new releases. "With these two releases, we continue to push the boundaries of Maryland-style rye whiskey while staying true to our roots," he said. "The 9-Year-Old Straight Rye celebrates the careful aging and blending process, while Bottled in Bond exemplifies our dedication to transparency and quality. We're excited to share these distinctive whiskies with our fans."
A Celebration of Maryland Rye Whiskey
Sagamore Spirit’s dedication to reviving Maryland-style rye whiskey has been a cornerstone of the brand’s identity. Historically, Maryland was a significant hub for rye whiskey production, and Sagamore is committed to restoring this legacy. The release of these two whiskeys demonstrates Sagamore’s ongoing effort to put Maryland rye whiskey back on the map, offering whiskey lovers high-quality, distinct products that stand out in the crowded rye market.
The distillery will host a Maryland-made Release Party on November 9th at its distillery in Baltimore. This event will not only celebrate the release of the 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey but also highlight Sagamore’s journey in creating Maryland-distilled expressions. Fans will have the opportunity to explore these new whiskeys and learn more about the brand’s dedication to restoring Maryland's distilling heritage.
Availability
The Sagamore 9-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey is already available for purchase, while the 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey will hit shelves in November. Both expressions can be found at Sagamore Spirit’s Baltimore distillery as well as select retailers nationwide.
For more information on these exciting new releases and Sagamore Spirit’s mission to revive Maryland rye whiskey, visit SagamoreSpirit.com.
These new releases reaffirm Sagamore Spirit’s commitment to producing world-class rye whiskey while honoring Maryland’s rich distilling traditions. Both the 9-Year-Old Straight Rye and the 7-Year-Old Bottled in Bond are set to become must-haves for rye whiskey enthusiasts, offering bold flavors and a taste of history in every sip.
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.
