A Collective Spirit - Sagamore Spirit RTDs

The Collective Spirit

FOR SAGAMORE SPIRIT, THERE’S NO WRONG WAY TO DRINK WHISKEY AND THE PROOF IS IN THE CAN

By Joseph Luparello

Sagamore Spirit, makers of internationally celebrated American rye whiskey, is making noise in the readyto-drink category with its premium, approachable, and vibrant lineup of canned cocktails. The Marylandbased team launched three flavors, made with its fouryear-old rye whiskey as a base: Black-Eyed Rye, Honey Paloma, and Lemon Tea Fizz. “Developing a premium canned cocktail line took patience and hard work,” says Marcus Stephens, Executive Vice President Brand Marketing at Sagamore Spirit. “We wanted to show curious whiskey drinkers that four-year-old Maryland-style rye whiskey can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. These delicious ready-todrink cocktails, made with organic juices, are naturally gluten-free and perfect for tailgates and events.”

With a commitment to craft the greatest RTD in the category, Sagamore Spirit turned to the gifted mixologists of CAnE Collective for assistance to create unique recipes.

CAnE Collective run by hospitality workers Clinton Jackson Alexander, Ezra Allen, and Chilled 100 Member Aaron Joseph develops craft mixers for a range of spirits. CAnE’s Baltimore location, along with their background in spirits, education, hospitality, and product development, made them ideal partners to help create a new line of rye whiskey canned cocktails. “We were excited to take this journey with Sagamore Spirit and celebrate the outstanding craftsmanship of the whiskey itself,” says Joseph. “Hopefully, these cans appeal to rye whiskey loyalists and serve as an introduction to rye for those unfamiliar.”

For the packaging design, the intention was to go beyond the aesthetic of a standard hard seltzer can, while also keeping in mind freshness and approachability. The team deliberately pulled colors from the flavor profiles of each cocktail while incorporating core branding elements. They ended up with a beautiful, recognizable can that is a breeze to pull from a cooler.

“The ready-to-drink space is getting crowded and fast. Our focus is providing curious whiskey consumers with a premium and approachable whiskey cocktail that's easy to drink. We believe there is no wrong way to drink whiskey and these canned cocktails prove it,” shares Stephens.

What sets Sagamore Spirit rtd’s apart?

HONEY PALOMA

Red grapefruit juice is paired with lime juice, agave, and natural honey flavor for this refreshing take on a paloma. The 9%ABV gives it just enough buzz to blend the true rye flavor and easy drinking.

BLACK-EYED RYE

Perfect for easy drinking, the Black-Eyed Rye is a flavorful blend of rye, blackberry juice, lime juice, and natural ginger flavor.

LEMON TEA FIZZ

Green tea, Meyer lemon juice, and natural yuzu flavor come together with rye whiskey for a flavorful cocktail with an 8% ABV.