Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/869846
DEPARTMENT HEADER september 2017 / the tasting panel / 51 Sagamore Spirit Rye Before Prohibition, rye whiskey was the American spirit, and was frequently used in popular libations invented in the States, including the Sazerac and the Manhattan. Sagamore Spirit Rye from Baltimore is made with naturally-filtered limestone spring water that flows from a spring house built in 1909 at Sagamore Farm, once owned by the Vanderbilt family. Graffiato Bar Manager Mary Kelly liked the local ties to the city, including the fact that the brand is a vision of Kevin Plank, CEO of Under Armour, which was founded in Baltimore. For her Urban Frontier, she stirred Sagamore Spirit Rye with amontillado sherry, grape-based Amero Amaro from Napa Valley, chamomile and lemon syrup and orange bitters. "It's more of an aperitivo or a before-dinner drink, and refreshing like a spritz," she described. "It's what I would want to drink at a picnic." The judges agreed, awarding her second place and $750. 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND 2ND PLACE PLACE PLACE PLACE PLACE PLACE PLACE PLACE PLACE PLACE PLACE PLACE Mary Kelly, Bar Manager of Graffiato in Washington, D.C. Urban Frontier by Mary Kelly, Bar Manager, Graffiato, Washington, D.C. ◗ 1½ oz. Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey 83 Proof ◗ ¼ oz. Amontillado Sherry ◗ ½ oz. Amero Amaro ◗ ¾ oz. chamomile and lemon syrup ◗ 2 dashes orange bitters The Judges' Remarks "Great use of spirit, very refreshing, delicious." —D.S. "Delicious, brings whiskey flavors out." —Meridith May