Sagamore Spirit Port Finish Rye Whiskey was named World’s Best Rye Whiskey at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirit Competition Sagamore’s Maryland-Style straight rye finished in European and American Port barrels to create a blend presenting heavy baking spices, plum, and toffee on the nose with bold black cherry jam and dark fruits on the palate, finishing dry with dark golden amber and playful red notes in the glass.

Sagamore Spirit in Baltimore, Maryland applies the Port barrel finishing programme to the core Signature Rye the 4 to 5 years of Maryland-Style rye character providing the base before the Port barrel adds the characteristic dried red and black fruit, baking spice, and sweetness that defines the Port Finish expression. At 101.2 proof (50.6% ABV), the Port Finish delivers the full character without dilution. The limestone aquifer spring water from the 1909 Sagamore Farm spring house provides the water component throughout production.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Heavy baking spices, plum, and toffee from the Port barrel finished Maryland-Style rye character
• Palate: Bold black cherry jam with dark fruits and a touch of smooth caramel for a dry finish
• Colour: Dark golden amber with playful red notes

Specs

• Distillery: Sagamore Spirit, Baltimore, Maryland (est. 2013)
• Type: Maryland-Style Straight Rye Whiskey
• Finish: European and American Port barrels
• Age: 4-5 Years
• Proof: 101.2 (50.6% ABV)
• Award: World’s Best Rye Whiskey, 2019 San Francisco World Spirit Competition

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Port barrel finishing add to a rye whiskey?

Port barrels previously held fortified wine from the Douro Valley of Portugal, enriching the wood with dark red fruit, baking spice, and sweetness. When rye whiskey is finished in Port barrels, the Port wine character integrates with the base rye spice, adding plum, dark cherry, toffee, and dried fruit complexity.

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