Sagamore Spirit 100% Maryland Small Batch Rye Review

 

Maryland used to be a big deal in American distilling. Back in the day, before Indiana became the powerhouse of American Rye, there were Pennsylvania-style or Maryland-style ryes. The Pennsylvania version was spicier; Maryland was more mellow due to its higher corn content.

 

"[I]n 1910, there were 44 distilleries operating in Maryland, 21 of which were in downtown Baltimore. It also led them to the discovery that prior to Prohibition, Maryland was the third leading distiller of whiskey in the U.S. behind Kentucky and Pennsylvania, and at one point, it led the nation in rye whiskey production." - DistilleryTrail.com

 

Founded in 2013, Sagamore Spirit was created by Kevin Plank, the former CEO of Under Armour, and Bill McDermott. They enlisted MGP's former Master Distiller, Larry Ebersold, to create a recipe of two rye mashbills: a familiar 95% rye/5% malted barley mash and a 52% rye/43% corn/5% malted barley mash.

 

One of Sagamore Spirit's goals is to launch the resurgence of Maryland-style rye whiskey. Until recently, it had been producing its distillate in a 20,000-square-foot facility, blending 20% of that with 80% sourced MGP rye. But now, everything is 100% Sagamore Spirit distillate, achieved by partnering with local farmers and purchasing as much Maryland-grown rye as possible. Sagamore Spirit triple-distills its mash and maintains a 120° barrel entry proof.

 

Last year, I had the opportunity to review Batch 1A of Sagamore Spirit's Cask Strength Rye. Today, we explore its updated Small Batch Rye, namely Batch 2R. Made from a blend of 20-barrel batches, it is packaged at 46.5% ABV (93°) and has a suggested retail price of $36.99 per 750mL.

 

Before I do the #DrinkCurious thing, I must thank Sagamore Spirit for providing me with a sample of Batch 2R in exchange for my no-strings-attached, honest review.

 

• Whiskey Type: Straight American Rye
• Distiller: Sagamore Spirit
• Age: NAS (between 4 and 6 years)
• Mashbill: Locally grown blend of 95% rye/5% malted barley and 52% rye/43% corn/5% malted barley
• Cooperage: New, 53-gallon charred Maryland oak barrels
• Alcohol Content: 46.5% ABV (93°)
• Price per 750mL: $36.99

 

Appearance: I used a Glencairn glass to explore this whiskey neat. The liquid looked like burnt orange; it formed a thicker rim that glued in place. Yet it also produced thick, fast, crowded tears.

 

Nose: I left the Rye alone to breathe for about 15 minutes before approaching it. I encountered an aroma consisting of dark chocolate, brown sugar, black cherries, mint, and freshly-baked rye bread. Brown sugar filled my mouth as I took in the vapor.

 

Palate: As I took my first sip, there was a thin, silky texture and a lovely palate shock of cinnamon rolls. Subsequent sips revealed brown sugar, vanilla, and black cherries on the front. The middle featured notes of mild cinnamon, leather, and rye bread, while the back tasted of oak, cocoa, and a return of cherries.      

 

Finish: Leather, brown sugar, black cherries, cinnamon, rye bread, and oak remained. Nothing attempted to dominate; they seemed happy to coexist. There was no ramping up; it was very even-keeled. The oak did become a bit dry. In my mind, the finish seemed short. I timed it; the duration lasted 1:02, placing it in the medium venue.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Whereas the Cask Strength expression I reviewed last year was very warm, the Small Batch expression was significantly tamed. To be fair, there was about a 30-point difference. I found the Small Batch Rye to be an incredibly easy-to-sip whiskey that would appeal to fans of both American Rye and Bourbon. Because it lacked heat, it could be enjoyed outside on a midsummer’s eve.

 

For $37.00, you’re getting one heck of a great whiskey. If you’re looking for a spice bomb, Sagamore Spirit Small Batch Rye will disappoint. I happen to enjoy both Pennsylvania- and Maryland-style incarnations, and as such, found it fantastic. It earns every bit of my Bottle rating. Cheers!

 

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit, but begs you to do so responsibly.