Kentucky, New York . . . and Maryland? Distillers revive state’s rye whiskey history.

December 15, 2021 by Jim Bauckman

Before World War II, Maryland was home to more than 40 distilleries, which made Maryland-style rye

December 14, 2021
Ashlie D. Stevens
Salon

In 2020, hundreds of cars containing thousands of masked passengers formed a start-stop line from the entrance to Sagamore Spirit all the way to I-95. The customers spent the morning inching closer and closer to the Baltimore distillery, where samples of their three-and-a-half-year-old rye whiskey were on offer a full year before it would be fully aged.

Sagamore Spirit isn’t the only distillery to have released a whiskey product that would be considered “adolescent.” For instance, Kentucky’s Buffalo Trace has their White Dog, a 125-proof nod to the moonshines that came before it, while Hudson New York Corn Whiskey was the foundation for the company’s “Baby Bourbon.”

To continue reading, click here.

“Sagamore Spirit Launches Canned Cocktails Made With Fully Aged Rye Whiskey” – Press Release, via BevNet

August 18, 2021 by Jim Bauckman

Sagamore Spirit Launches Canned Cocktails Made With Fully Aged Rye Whiskey

Baltimore, Md. –Sagamore Spirit introduced its first-ever line of ready-to-drink canned craft cocktails in three vibrant flavors: Black-Eyed Rye, Honey Paloma, and Lemon Tea Fizz. Featuring Sagamore Spirit’s 4-year-old, award-winning straight rye whiskey, each was developed to showcase the best of Maryland-style rye – approachable, versatile, yet full bodied – and let natural ingredients in classic cocktail combinations shine through.

The three refreshingly carbonated cocktail recipes were inspired by Baltimore’s most creative mixology minds and created in partnership withCAnE Collective – the renowned, Baltimore-based maker of handcrafted mixers.

To continue reading the Sagamore Spirit release, please click here.

“Whiskey Review: Sagamore Distiller’s Select Manhattan Finish” – The Whiskey Wash

November 3, 2020 by Jim Bauckman

November 2, 2020

Kenji Mizumori

The Whiskey Wash

Sagamore Spirit Distiller’s Select Manhattan Finish (image via Sagamore Spirit)

I’ll admit, it took me a number of years to warm up to Manhattans. Mostly a whiskey and a beer person and plus, many years ago, there wasn’t much use of good vermouths as I was learning my way behind the bar. Nowadays, there is more of an appreciation of the nuances of a good vermouth or an amaro in the use of a Manhattan. And it can be a beautiful thing.

“Whiskey enthusiasts want to be challenged,” said Brian Treacy, Sagamore Spirit’s president, at the time Sagamore Distiller’s Select Manhattan Finish was released, “and we’re always up for a good challenge too. It led us to try something that’s never been done before, which ultimately became Manhattan Finish. The process started with breaking down the flavors of a Manhattan cocktail and then building them back up again. Our distilling team spent weeks testing different combinations of our straight rye whiskey aged separately in cherry brandy, vermouth and bitters barrels to find just the right blend.

“The result turned out to be exactly what we wanted: a full-proof whiskey with character – not a cocktail – and one that was well worth the risk.”

To continue reading this article and review, please visit the Whiskey Wash.

MARYLAND DISTILLERIES EARN NATIONAL RECOGNITION IN READERS CHOICE POLL

September 29, 2020 by Jim Bauckman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARYLAND DISTILLERIES EARN NATIONAL RECOGNITION IN READERS CHOICE POLL

LYON RUM, McClintock Distilling Co., and Sagamore Spirit among the best craft distilleries in the United States.

(MARYLAND) – LYON RUM and McClintock Distilling Co. claim “Best Craft Rum Distillery” and “Best Craft Vodka Distillery,” respectively, in a recent USA Today 10Best™ Readers Choice poll. McClintock Distilling Company also ranks fourth in top craft gin distilleries, while Sagamore Spirit comes in at fifth in the best craft whiskey distillery listing. Rounding out the representation of Maryland Distillers Guild members and earning top honors is Element Shrub, a non-alcoholic mixer producer, claiming “Best Craft Mixer” in the polling.

“We have a singular goal: to make remarkable American rum,” says Jaime Windon, CEO of Windon Distilling, maker of LYON RUM. “By focusing 100% on this spirit that we love, we purposefully set ourselves apart from the vast majority of craft distilleries that produce a range of distillates,” says Windon, who serves as president of the Maryland Distillers Guild. “I speak for my entire team when I say we are very proud to rank among a select few true American rum distilleries and are overjoyed to be recognized as the best and awarded this #1 honor by USA Today.”

Three Maryland distilleries were nominated by a panel of experts as the best craft distilleries producing gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey. Awards were also announced for the best craft brandy, cocktail, growing distillery, and specialty spirit. These categories feature distilleries or manufacturers from the United States, each of them nominated for crafting exceptional products.

“We were truly honored to win best vodka distillery in the country and fourth-best gin distillery from the competition,” explains Braeden Bumpers, co-founder of McClintock Distilling Company. “We were certainly surprised as a small, organic distillery to be considered in the competition and very thankful that our community supported us. We are proud to represent the growing and vibrant distilling community in our state and by joining [LYON RUM] and Element Shrub in taking top honors.”

Maryland and Texas stand out in this recent competition for having multiple local distilleries earning top placements in their nominated categories. The distilling industry in Maryland has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Spirits consumers can find locally distilled spirits, from more than 25 local distilleries, at retailers throughout the state. Most of the distilleries in the “Old Line State” offer retail options for on- and off-premise purchases and have made considerations to operate safely during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Through a 2020 executive order from Governor Hogan, the state’s distilleries may also ship spirits directly to Maryland consumers.

“I think this was a statement year that Maryland is quickly regaining our pre-prohibition reputation as making some of the best spirits in the country,” stated Bumpers.

About the Maryland Distillers Guild

Members of the Maryland Distillers Guild are a community of craft producers, dedicated to developing quality spirits and delivering a dynamic experience for visitors. We invite you to tour our distilleries, learn about our distilling processes, and sample locally-crafted spirits. Cheers to a rich heritage and spirited future!

Follow the Maryland Distillers Guild on Facebook (@marylanddistillers), Instagram (@marylandspirits), and Twitter (@marylandspirits). Up-to-date information about the Maryland Distillers Guild can be found by visiting https://marylandspirits.org.

###