We Ask Ryan Norwood, VP of Operations at Sagamore Spirit About Maryland Rye

Thanks to settlers from Scotland and Ireland who brought their distilling knowledge to the colony, the heritage of Maryland rye dates back more than four centuries to the 1600s.

Before Prohibition, Maryland rye was known for its sweeter, more balanced profile not just in the United States but around the world.

Today, Sagamore Spirit leads the charge in bringing this distinctive Maryland rye back to the world stage. We ask Ryan Norwood of Sagamore Spirit to tell us more about the legacy of Maryland Rye.

Talk to us a bit about Sagamore’s Spirit, history, and heritage.

Sagamore Spirit is driven by a singular mission: to craft the world’s best rye whiskey. Our dedication is rooted in the legacy of Maryland Rye, celebrated historically for its quality and unique character. Today, we are inspired by whiskey enthusiasts around the globe, aiming to bring a modern approach to American Whiskey that emphasizes a meticulous farm-to-table process. We prioritize using non-GMO grains, connecting with local farmers, and relentlessly pursuing excellence in every bottle.

Our journey begins with the rich heritage of Maryland Rye. In the 1600s, farmers from Scotland and Ireland brought their distilling skills to the American colonies. Historically, Maryland Rye was known for its sweeter, more balanced profile, becoming a beloved choice worldwide. Before World War II, Maryland held one-third of the U.S.’s Rye Whiskey in bond.

At Sagamore Spirit, we triple distill our whiskey using a column still named Penny and two doublers. Our state-of-the-art distillery, completed in 2017, is located on a 5-acre campus in Baltimore. We take pride in our farm-to-table process, developing a network of Maryland farmers to produce the rye we harvest.

Our whiskey is crafted using two distinct mash bills, creating a low rye and a high rye whiskey. These are fermented, triple distilled, and aged separately before blending to achieve our signature Maryland Rye flavor profile.

Sagamore Spirit stands as a modern American whiskey brand with deep ties to the local Baltimore community. Our commitment to quality and innovation has earned us over 200 awards internationally, including the prestigious “World’s Best Rye Whiskey” in 2019.

What about its whiskey-making legacy in Maryland?

The legacy of Maryland Rye whiskey is a storied one, deeply intertwined with the history of American distilling. In the 1600s, farmers from Scotland and Ireland brought their distilling expertise to the New World, setting the stage for Maryland’s whiskey-making tradition.

After the Revolutionary War, land grants were given to militiamen in what would become Kentucky, a move that helped spread the craft of distilling further. Maryland was one of the few states to refuse to ratify the 18th Amendment, which began Prohibition, making Baltimore a hub of anti-Prohibition sentiment.

When Prohibition ended in 1933, Maryland quickly reclaimed its place in the whiskey industry. By 1939, the state held a third of the nation’s rye whiskey supply. However, the onset of World War II in 1941 saw all of Maryland’s distilleries converted to ethanol plants to support the war effort. Government subsidies for corn further diminished rye production, leading to a decline in rye whiskey production.

Sagamore Spirit is dedicated to reviving this proud heritage. Our distillery, which began production in April 2017, aims to inspire a global passion for Maryland Rye Whiskey. In the 1700s, Maryland was the northernmost state that grew corn, resulting in a unique mash bill combining rye, corn, and malted barley. Historically, Maryland Rye was known for its sweet, mellow character and was regarded as a high-end whiskey.

At Sagamore Spirit, we blend two different rye whiskies to recreate this traditional flavor profile: a low-rye whiskey, and a high-rye whiskey. These whiskies are fermented, distilled, and aged separately before being blended to achieve our distinct Maryland Rye taste.

What would you like bartenders to know about Sagamore Spirit?

Sagamore Spirit offers bartenders a rye whiskey with the perfect harmony of spice, sweetness, and depth, making it an ideal base for a wide range of both classic and innovative cocktails. Whether used in a timeless Old Fashioned or an inventive new creation, Sagamore Rye enhances the drink with its rich and layered flavors.

By incorporating Sagamore Rye Whiskey into their cocktails, bartenders can elevate their craft with a premium spirit that brings a rich heritage, exceptional flavor, and a commitment to quality and sustainability to the mixology world.

Tell us about the brand’s Farm-to-Table messaging. Why is this important?

Sagamore Spirit’s farm-to-table messaging is central to our mission of crafting exceptional rye whiskey. This approach emphasizes sustainability, local partnerships, and quality from the very beginning of the production process.

Sagamore Spirit is committed to sourcing high-quality grains through its farm-to-table approach while utilizing top-quality non-GMO grains and supporting the local farming community. Through this program, Sagamore Spirit has engaged with local farmers to purchase seeds upfront with a pledge to buy the harvest.

Our commitment to local agriculture extends through partnerships with local farmers. Sagamore Spirit shares in their risk and eases their initial investment by purchasing rye seed upfront. This initiative allows Maryland farmers to grow and harvest rye specifically for Sagamore Rye Whiskey. In 2023, over 1.6 million pounds of rye were harvested in Maryland for our whiskey production.

These efforts not only support local farmers but also ensure the highest quality ingredients for our whiskey. By utilizing rye varietals like Serafino Rye, which is perfectly suited for whiskey production, we continue to refine our craft while contributing to sustainable agriculture. This farm-to-table approach is vital as it underlines our dedication to quality, sustainability, and community support, ensuring that every bottle of Sagamore Rye Whiskey embodies these values.

Our commitment to quality is evident in every bottle of Sagamore Small Batch Rye. We use 100% non-GMO corn and meticulously blend our two mash bills, ensuring the signature Maryland-style rye flavor. Each batch is hand-bottled and non-chill filtered, guaranteeing an authentic and rich-tasting experience.

Sagamore Spirit Small Batch Rye Whiskey, tell us more about this expression.

Sagamore Spirit Small Batch Rye Whiskey is a testament to our commitment to craft excellence since opening Sagamore Distillery in 2017. It is our first globally available 100% Sagamore-distilled whiskey.

Sagamore Small Batch is crafted from 100% Maryland-distilled rye whiskey, using grains sourced through Sagamore Spirit’s dedicated Farm-to-Table process. These grains are used to create our high-rye and low-rye whiskeys that are both triple distilled and matured for 4-6 years before being blended in small 20-barrel batches. The blending of two straight whiskeys gives complexity, while our triple distillation process enhances its distinct smoothness.

What does Sagamore Spirit have coming down the pike?

This is a big year for Sagamore Spirit, filled with exciting new releases and ongoing innovations. We’ve already made a strong start by bringing two exceptional bottles to the market: the re-release of our beloved Sagamore Manhattan Finish Rye Whiskey and the much-anticipated Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey. These releases have been met with enthusiasm from our loyal fans and new whiskey lovers. Crafted solely from 100% Maryland-distilled whiskey, Sagamore Small Batch reflects the state’s long-standing tradition of local craftsmanship and excellence.

But that’s just the beginning. We have more thrilling limited releases planned for this year that we can’t wait to share with the world. Each release will highlight our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the rich heritage of Maryland Rye. Whether it’s a new finish, an innovative blend, or a unique aging process, our upcoming offerings promise to bring something special and distinctive to the market.

Our distillery, located in the Baltimore Peninsula, is constantly evolving. We are dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our visitors and the local community. Throughout the year, we host a variety of events, from tours and tastings to educational classes and community gatherings. These events not only celebrate our whiskey but also foster a deeper connection with our community and fans.

Stay tuned as we unveil more exciting developments throughout the year. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Sagamore Spirit, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy.