Sagamore Spirit has released its newest limited-edition Rye whiskey, Sagamore Spirit Distiller’s Select Tequila Finish. The new offering from the Baltimore-based brand arrives just in time for Cinco de Mayo.
The new offering finishes Sagamore Spirit Straight Rye Whiskey in Extra Añejo Tequila barrels. The result is describe as “a full-bodied yet approachable Rye that telegraphs Tequila in all the right ways, with hints of agave, citrus, spice, warm oak and vanilla on the nose, and even more agave, peppercorn, fig and orange to taste.” It’s bottled at 49% ABC.
“Melding a full-bodied rye whiskey with tequila may sound like a risky move, but our distilling team welcomes risks that can bring big rewards,” said Brian Treacy, Sagamore Spirit’s president. “Like Maryland-style rye, tequila has a history that’s deeply rooted in a sense of place, so to us, this union made perfect sense. The end result perfectly captures what’s special about each spirit to give fans of both spirits something unexpected, seasonal and full of flavor – just in time for warmer weather.”
Despite Tequila’s more than 350-year history, Extra Añejo is a newer sub-category that requires the agave spirit to be aged for at least three years in oak barrels. Akin to Rye Whiskey‘s aging process, Extra Añejo Tequila interacts with the barrel staves longer, resulting in some of the most expensive tequilas in the world. When it came time to select barrels for Tequila Finish, Sagamore Spirit’s team of distillers sought out casks that had nurtured Tequila in such a way and had aged both Añejo and Extra Añejo tequila for at least seven years.
Tequila Finish is part of the Sagamore Spirit Reserve Series, a collection of limited-edition Maryland-style Rye Whiskeys aged in barrels that formerly aged other spirits, wines, or beers. Past releases include Manhattan Finish, Rye Ale Finish (aged in Sierra Nevada beer barrels), and Calvados Finish.
Sagamore Spirit Distiller’s Select Tequila Finish will be available nationwide beginning in March. It’s priced at $69 per 750ml bottle.
