Sagamore Spirit Brings Back Double Oak Rye, Debuts Port Finish Rye

The Double Oak is Sagamore’s standard straight rye, a four-year-old oak-aged expression, finished for an additional six months in so-called wave stave barrels. These barrels are made from staves with grooves milled into the interior; obviously, that increases the surface area of the inside of the barrel, but it also theoretically means that a combination of charred and more lightly-toasted wood comes into contact with the whiskey. This is the second year for the double-oaked expression, which sold out after its debut last fall.

“Our talented distillers’ expertise, curiosity and passion for whiskey craft comes through in every new batch they create, and our new Port Finish is case in point,” said Sagamore Spirit President Brian Treacy in a prepared statement. “Our growing library of limited time offerings consistently raises the bar when it comes to innovation, creativity and flavor. Sometimes, they’re received so well we just have to bring them back for round two, like with Double Oak, which sold out everywhere last year.”

Sagamore draws on the Old Line State’s tradition of sweeter, more approachable rye whiskeys, in contrast with the spicy Pennsylvania style modern drinkers are more familiar with. For the time being, though, the distillery—founded by Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank less than two years ago—is, like so many craft startups, sourcing its ryes from MGP. They blend two of the Indiana distillery’s expressions, one higher-rye and one lower, to emulate the traditional Maryland style. All of Sagamore’s whiskeys are proofed with local limestone-rich spring water.