Notes and Reviews for Whiskey Ring Podcast Episode 190: Sagamore Spirit with Ryan Norwood, VP of Operations

Leading the Revival of Maryland Rye

This week on the Whiskey Ring Podcast, I got to cross off another long-awaited guest: Sagamore Spirit. Situated harborside in downtown Baltimore, Sagamore's campus is among the more beautiful I've visited. The 5-acre plot centers around Penny, their 40' copper column still, which has (almost) single-handedly managed their transition from MGP-sourced rye to 100% Maryland-distilled rye, which now fills the vast majority of their bottles.

Few brands have moved from sourcing to their own distillate as seamlessly or as transparently. Along the way, Sagamore Spirit (no "s" because they'll only ever make one) has played with numerous finishes, including award-winning port cask and unique mead and beer finishes from nearby partners. Not to mention their one-off Calvados-finished Rye, which I still rank as one of the best pours I've ever had.

Sagamore is no longer alone in their promotion of Maryland Rye, with previous guests like Baltimore Spirits Co. also flying the banner, but it's hard to argue that Sagamore isn't leading the way, whether by volume, shelf space, or distribution reach. Ryan Norwood has been with Sagamore for several years and joins me to talk hospitality, building a rye brand for Maryland starting with Indiana distillate, and how their ongoing connection to the Vanderbilt-owned Sagamore Farm informs their branding, bottles, and their surprising decision to leave horses off the label.

Thank you to Ryan for entering the Whiskey Ring!

Sagamore Spirit Online

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This is the third or fourth iteration of the Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength, and each have been both enjoyable and distinct from the others. This one is the first to be made with 100% Maryland-distilled whiskies, no MGP to be found, and there is a clear difference in flavor and overall profile. Sagamore managed the transition from sourcing to producing better than perhaps any other company I know, all while never trying to be MGP or mirror those profiles. This is all Maryland, all aged in Maryland, and in my opinion, whether you like it or not it is a new beacon for Sagamore to hold up and say “this is ours”.

Here is the full press release on this product, with tasting notes below. Other reviews of Sagamore Spirit products:

Sagamore Spirit Reserve Series Calvados Finished Rye Whiskey

Sagamore Spirit 8 Year Old Rye Whiskey Batch 1B

Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Rye

Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Rye Batch 1A 7 Year Old: Specs

Classification: Maryland Straight Rye Whiskey

Producer: Sagamore Spirit

Mashbill: Blend of 95% and 51% Ryes

Proof: 123 (61.5% ABV)

Age: 7 Years Old

Location: Maryland

Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Rye Batch 1A 7 Year Old Price: $69.99

Official Website

Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Rye Batch 1A 7 Year Old: Tasting Notes

Eye: Orange amber. Very thin rims, tiny droplets and very thin legs.

Nose: Powerfully herbal, barrel influence opens quickly. An oak forest in summer. Warm, almost burnt grain toasting in a pan. Proof hits up the nostrils, coming off more woody than expected.

Palate: Sourdough or German pretzel crusts with a touch of salt. Pleasant proof is less powerful than on the nose. Warm honey and cinnamon sticks, sharp. Mouthfeel is medium-bodied and coating, spicy on teh front and rich mid-palate. Grape stems/must and brandy barrels add dark fruit late. Does not dilute on the chew.

Finish: Sharp cinnamon laces the whole tongue, coating and oily. Medium-heavy bodied on the finish, wood backs off from the palate. Medium-length.

Final Rating: 6.9

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