Whereas Kentucky could also be synonymous with bourbon, Maryland holds a proud, although usually neglected, legacy as a cradle of rye whiskey. Earlier than Prohibition, rye was America’s spirit of alternative—and Maryland rye was among the many most revered. However after Repeal, rye whiskey struggled to reclaim its former prominence, and in 1972, the final of Maryland’s post-Prohibition distilleries closed its doorways, seemingly ending the chapter on a storied custom.
That’s, till 2015, when Fiore Distillery introduced Maryland rye again from the brink. Two years earlier, in 2013, Sagamore Spirit was based in Baltimore with a daring ambition: to revive Maryland rye whiskey in each spirit and follow. Whereas awaiting the maturation of its personal Maryland-distilled whiskey, Sagamore blended rye sourced from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana—all the time with the long-term objective of honoring the legacy of true Maryland rye.
Traditionally, Maryland rye whiskey featured a mashbill comprising 65–75% rye grain, and early Maryland distillers usually triple-distilled their spirits—a nod to the Irish Catholic heritage that formed the area, significantly as Maryland welcomed Catholic immigrants in colonial instances. Although many later moved away from the third distillation, Sagamore Spirit selected to embrace it as a tribute to custom. At the moment, they triple-distill their whiskey utilizing a towering 40-foot Vendome column nonetheless with doubler, reinforcing their dedication to purity and craftsmanship.
To seize the essence of historic Maryland rye, Sagamore blends two rye mashbills: one with 95% rye and 5% malted barley, and one other with 51% rye, 45% corn, and 4% malted barley—each initially distilled at MGP, and now absolutely distilled in Maryland. Even the yeast has pedigree: Sagamore makes use of the historic V yeast pressure, courting again to Seagram within the Nineteen Forties and nonetheless employed by MGP and 4 Roses at the moment, the place it’s identified internally at MGP as Pressure 133. Fermentation runs 72 hours, and the distillate is pulled off the column nonetheless at 125 proof, climbing to 130 proof after the primary doubler and 135 proof after the second doubler earlier than getting into barrels at 120 proof.
Sagamore sources most of its barrels from Impartial Stave Firm, but additionally collaborates with cooperages like West Virginia Nice Barrel Firm, Kelvin, and ZAK, using each #3 and #4 char ranges to form its ageing profiles.
Years of cautious planning, affected person ageing, and historic homage have culminated within the 2025 launch of Sagamore Spirit Cask Energy Rye—a real Maryland rye, absolutely distilled, aged, and bottled in-state. This yr’s batch is a 23-barrel mix, bottled with out chill filtration and with zero whiskey from Indiana—marking one other second for Maryland rye’s renaissance. When Drinkhacker final reviewed Sagamore’s Cask Energy in 2018, it was merely a Maryland-model rye. Now, it’s the true factor. How did it prove? Let’s discover out!
Recent off the boat from Baltimore’s Internal Harbor, an attractive bouquet rises to greet the senses—vibrant pickled ginger main the cost, adopted by savory nutmeg and a flicker of peppermint within the background. Because the rye breathes, richer aromas take form: deep molasses mingles with the scent of freshly pressed waffle cones from a close-by creamery. The nostril is vibrant, layered, and extremely partaking.
On the palate, a cool eucalyptus word makes a assured entrance, seamlessly joined by the dense, textured sweetness of dates. Because the tasting journey unfolds, black pepper and a splash of crisp, dry ginger ale with restrained sweetness add complexity and elevate. The mouthfeel is weighty and viscous, giving the flavors an extended runway to specific themselves.
Towards the shut, candied orange peel steps in with a citrus pop, rapidly accented by mellow cinnamon and acquainted nutmeg. Simply because the expertise appears to fade, that invigorating eucalyptus makes a memorable return.
Sagamore Spirit earned its title with whiskey distilled in Indiana, however its transition to Maryland-made rye is nothing wanting seamless. The 2025 Cask Energy Rye, clocking in at 123 proof with a minimal of seven years within the barrel, is a daring, assured expression that speaks to Baltimore’s evolving taste legacy. Whereas town is rightly celebrated for Outdated Bay-dusted crab, iconic crab desserts, and Orange Crush cocktails, this homegrown rye has secured its place among the many metropolis’s most compelling culinary choices.
123 proof.
A / $70 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Sagamore Cask Energy Rye (2025)
USD70
