Ok, ok, I admit it…I’m not much of a football guy (baseball all the way #mets). I know about as much as Taylor did before she met Travis. So, when Sagamore and their PR partners reached out about reviewing this bottle, at first, I turned down the opportunity.

At first glance, it looked like a repackaging, a rebranding, a special edition, yes, but of their core small batch rye. Excellent rye and a staple on my shelf, to be sure, but I questioned if I needed to review this again under the banner of a new label (the third partnered with the Ravens) celebrating a championship that happened a week before I turned *checks calendar* 9 years old.

Then, some friends and fellow reviewers tasted it, and more information came out, namely, that it was 7-8 years old.

After tasting the Sagamore age-stated releases from 7- to 10-years-old, this really excited me. Honestly, I’ve been enjoying the 7- and 8-year-old expressions more than the older ones, so this is right in the wheelhouse.

This release - called “The Ravens” or “Festivus Maximus” - is a blend of 85% high rye (95/5) and 15% low rye (52/43/5). At ~20 barrels per batch, that’s 17 of the high rye and 3 of the low rye.

This is my new favorite Sagamore bottling that doesn't have a finish. It beats out the older age statements, is an improvement on an already solid core, and shows Sagamore embracing the well-earned stocks of Maryland rye they’ve distilled and demonstrates a commitment to keeping it at a ridiculously low price for that age, right in line with heritage distillers if not below.

Some will say the increased age statements denote (or are a symptom) of a glut. Maybe, but keep in mind this is just 20 barrels. If next year we hear that Sagamore’s entire core is 7-8 years, then a glut may be more appropriate. For now, if you’re around Baltimore or see this on shelves in Maryland, grab it. Seriously, it’s that good.

AND IT’S $39.99.

This sample was provided by Sagamore Spirit at no cost. All opinions are my own.

Sagamore Spirit “Festivus Maximus” Special Release Straight Rye Whiskey: Specs

Classification: Maryland Straight Rye Whiskey

Producer: Sagamore Spirit

Mashbill: 85% High Rye (95% Rye, 5% Malt), 15% Low Rye (52% Rye, 43% Corn, 5% Malt)

Proof: 93º (46.5% ABV)

Age: 7-8 Years Old

Location: Maryland

Sagamore Spirit “Festivus Maximus” Special Release Straight Rye Whiskey Price: $39.99

Official Website

Sagamore Spirit “Festivus Maximus” Special Release Straight Rye Whiskey: Tasting Notes

Eye: Black iced tea.

Nose: Cigar lounge in a jacket, light rye and black tea tannins. Hint in the background, dark chocolate on the edges. Peaches and apricots open slowly, light-fleshed stone fruits.

Palate: Saltines with peaches - specific, but that’s what I got. Mild proof and astringency lining the front half of my tongue, mouthwatering, sweet rye opening. The cask and rye are well balanced. Mouthfeel is silky with a pleasant spice, more oak astringency developing to carry the flavor. Adding maple sugar and plum sweetness.

Finish: Peaches and nutmeg, a lovely sweet-sharp spice, medium length.

Overall: If this ends up being closer to Sagamore’s new core going forward, we’re in a great place as consumers. If not, there are 20 barrels worth of this out there for $39.99 a bottle - go get it.