Sagamore Rye Bourbon is a meticulously crafted blend of two straight rye whiskeys, aged 4-6 years, combining a high-rye mash bill with a low-rye one to deliver a perfect harmony of spice and sweetness. With an approachable 83-proof, this Maryland-style rye offers a sensory experience that starts with aromas of vanilla, warm cinnamon, and cherry, and unfolds into a palate layered with herbaceous undertones, spicy candied ginger, and whispers of Dr. Pepper-like cherry notes. The bittersweet yet light finish makes it an ideal choice for either savoring neat or crafting refined cocktails. Priced affordably around $40, Sagamore Rye Bourbon is an excellent choice for both seasoned connoisseurs and those new to rye, delivering smooth, approachable elegance with every sip.
Process & Profile
Sagamore Rye Whiskey is a modern tribute to Maryland's storied distilling heritage. This premium spirit is meticulously crafted by blending two straight rye mash bills, aged 4 to 6 years in high-char American oak barrels. Enhanced by the exceptional limestone-filtered water from Sagamore Farm's historic spring house, this whiskey reflects a grain-to-glass commitment to quality. At 93 proof, it embodies a balanced harmony of classic rye characteristics with a smooth and approachable profile.
Tasting Notes
Sagamore Rye Whiskey offers a sensory journey of rich and vibrant flavors:
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Nose: Aromas of golden apples, honey, caramel, and baking spices with a hint of oak.
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Palate: A delightful medley of baking spices and fruit notes leads into layers of caramel, honey, and brown sugar. These flavors are rounded out by warm spices and subtle oak.
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Finish: A lingering honeyed sweetness mingles with gentle oak and faded fruit for a smooth, satisfying conclusion.
What Makes It Special
Sagamore Rye Whiskey stands out for its dedication to both tradition and innovation:
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Maryland Craftsmanship: A revival of the classic Maryland-style rye, honoring a legacy of balanced rye flavors.
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Grain-to-Glass Philosophy: The distillery sources non-GMO grains and engages local farming practices, ensuring high-quality production.
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Award-Winning Excellence: Sagamore's lineup, including reserve series releases, continually receives accolades for craftsmanship and creativity.
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Versatile Appeal: A perfect whiskey for both beginners and connoisseurs, offering complexity without being overpowering.
How to Enjoy
Sagamore Rye Whiskey is versatile and pairs well with many occasions:
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Neat: Experience the full depth of its flavors by sipping this whiskey neat at room temperature.
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On the Rocks: A touch of ice softens the flavors while maintaining balance, ideal for a relaxed evening.
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Cocktails: Elevate classic whiskey cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Its rich, honeyed sweetness and spice complement mixers effortlessly.
Sagamore Rye Whiskey redefines what rye whiskey can be with its smooth, approachable style and homage to Maryland's whiskey heritage. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or exploring rye for the first time, Sagamore is a perfect choice for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about Sagamore Rye Whiskey?
Sagamore Rye Whiskey is crafted using a unique blend of two straight rye mash bills, one high-rye and one low-rye, which are balanced to create a full-bodied flavor profile. The whiskey is proofed with limestone-filtered spring water from Sagamore Farm, contributing to its distinctive smoothness and Maryland-style character.
What does Sagamore Rye Whiskey taste like?
Sagamore Rye Whiskey features a palate of candied dried orange peel, clove, and nutmeg, with lingering hints of walnut and brown sugar. Its balanced flavor profile combines classic baking spices with subtle sweetness, making it both complex and approachable.
How is Sagamore Rye Whiskey aged?
The whiskey is aged for 4 to 6 years in American oak barrels with a level three or four char. This process imparts rich caramel and toasted sugar notes into the whiskey, enhancing its complexity and giving it its amber color.
What makes Sagamore Rye Whiskey a Maryland-style rye?
Maryland-style rye is known for its approachable, slightly sweeter and fruit-forward profiles compared to other rye whiskeys. Sagamore stays true to this tradition by balancing spicy rye notes with sweet flavors like caramel, honey, and brown sugar.
Is Sagamore Rye Whiskey handcrafted?
Yes, every bottle of Sagamore Rye Whiskey is handcrafted. The production process includes manual inspection, hand-filled bottles, and custom label application, ensuring high-quality control at every step.
What is the proof of Sagamore Rye Whiskey?
The signature Sagamore Rye Whiskey is bottled at 83 proof (41.5% ABV), ensuring a smooth and well-rounded drinking experience.
How should I enjoy Sagamore Rye Whiskey?
Sagamore Rye Whiskey is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails such as Old Fashioneds and Manhattans. Its balanced flavor profile also makes it a great choice for sipping.
What ingredients are used in Sagamore Rye Whiskey?
Sagamore uses locally sourced rye, corn, and barley in its mash bills, which are fermented and distilled on-site. The final product is proofed with natural limestone-filtered water from Sagamore Farm.
Does Sagamore offer tours or experiences?
Yes, Sagamore offers guided tours of their distillery in Maryland, where visitors can learn about their whiskey-making process. They also feature a whiskey bar, Nineteen O’Nine, for curated tastings and cocktails.
Are there other variations of Sagamore Rye Whiskey available?
In addition to their Signature Rye, Sagamore offers special Reserve Series releases that may include unique barrel finishes or extended aging. They also produce limited-edition collaborations and canned cocktails.