Sagamore Kingston Cider Hard Cask Finish is a straight rye whiskey that pushes boundaries with its unique double-maturation process. At 98.6 proof, this 5-year-old Maryland rye delivers an unexpected harmony of spice and orchard fruit, aged first in new charred oak then finished in Kingston Black hard cider barrels for over four years.

Sagamore Spirit has built its reputation on reimagining American rye whiskey from their Baltimore waterfront distillery. While this particular expression was distilled in Indiana, it represents the innovative spirit that defines the brand — taking traditional rye foundations and exploring uncharted flavor territories through creative cask finishing techniques.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Baked Granny Smith apples, cinnamon bark, floral vanilla, warm pastry crust, subtle rye spice
• Palate: Spiced caramel, honeycrisp apple, cinnamon sticks, buttery pie crust, peppery rye grain
• Finish: Medium-long with lingering apple sweetness, warm baking spices, gentle oak tannins

Product Details

Perfect For

• Fall Cocktail Experiments: Incredible in apple-forward Old Fashioneds or seasonal Manhattans
• Rye Whiskey Collectors: Distillery exclusive with unique cider barrel finishing
• Autumn Entertaining: Perfect conversation starter for harvest season gatherings
• Neat Sipping: Complex enough to appreciate solo with its orchard-meets-spice profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sagamore Kingston Cider Cask Finish taste like?

This rye whiskey tastes like apple pie spices meet traditional rye character. The cider barrel finish adds layers of baked apple sweetness and warm cinnamon that complement rather than overpower the peppery rye grain foundation.

Is Sagamore Kingston Cider Cask good for cocktails?

Absolutely — this expression shines in fall and winter cocktails. The apple notes make it exceptional in Old Fashioneds with apple bitters, while the rye spice holds up beautifully in Manhattans and Boulevardiers.

How should I drink Sagamore Kingston Cider Cask?

Start neat or with a splash of water to appreciate the unique cider barrel influence. The 98.6 proof is approachable enough for sipping, but the complexity really opens up cocktail possibilities, especially with apple or cinnamon components.

Is this rye whiskey worth the price?

As a distillery exclusive with over 9 years total aging (5 in new oak plus 4+ in cider barrels), this offers exceptional value for a finished American rye. The unique maturation process and limited availability justify the investment for rye enthusiasts.

What is similar to Sagamore Kingston Cider Cask?

If you enjoy fruit-finished whiskeys like WhistlePig's apple cask or Woodford Reserve's fruit series, this delivers similar innovation with Maryland rye character. It's less intense than high-rye MGP products but more complex than standard rye expressions.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.