When it comes to rye whiskey, Maryland is where it’s at. There are currently more than 30 distilleries across the state, but in just over a decade, Sagamore Whiskey has made an indelible mark on the industry and the region, particularly with the 2017 opening of the world-class waterfront distillery in the Baltimore Peninsula area.
And now, Sagamore Whiskey has taken a closer step to becoming a fully Maryland-made whiskey brand with the introduction of an eight-year-old, 100-proof expression distilled, aged, and bottled entirely in the Old Line State. The Sagamore Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey is now available nationwide. The whiskey was distilled at Sagamore’s distillery in spring 2018 and aged for eight years, meeting the rigorous requirements of the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897.
The expression brings together Sagamore’s high-rye and low-rye mash bills, showcasing the brand’s approach to Maryland Style rye, which balances traditional rye spice with a softer, richer character and notes of fruit and sweetness.
“Eight years gives a rye whiskey a lot of time to develop, and you can really see that in this product. It has the spice and character you want from a rye, but the time in the barrels has brought in a level of richness and depth that makes it a really rewarding whiskey to sit with,” Sagamore Whiskey’s Master Distiller Ryan Norwood tells me. “You can enjoy it neat and really explore what’s happening in the glass, but it also has enough structure to stand up in a great cocktail.”
Sagamore’s latest expression is a source of pride for all involved in the process. As mentioned, the fact it was distilled, aged, and bottled entirely in Maryland ratchets things up for the brand.
“We distilled it, aged it and bottled it right here in Maryland, and there are a lot of people across our team who played a part in getting it to this point,” Norwood adds. “For us, this whiskey is really a snapshot of how far Sagamore has come and a peek at what people can expect moving forward.”
What you should expect
The whiskey pours a rich amber and opens with aromas of powdered sugar, soft leather, and baking spices. On the palate, notes of grilled peaches, brown sugar, and sweet cherry give way to a warm and lively finish layered with rye bread, baked apple crumble, and light maple syrup.
In short, the eight-year-old expression is quintessential Maryland-style rye whiskey.
Norwood added, “We’ve had a long time to watch these barrels develop, and this release really shows what makes Maryland Style so special to us.”
The Sagamore Bottled in Bond Straight Rye Whiskey has a suggested retail price of $59.99, a helluva bargain.
