Built from the Ground Up: Ryan Norwood Named Master Distiller After Nearly a Decade at Sagamore Spirit

BALTIMORE, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sagamore Spirit, the leading and award-winning Maryland rye distillery, proudly announces the promotion of Ryan Norwood from Vice President of Operations to Master Distiller. In this new role, Norwood will lead innovation and oversee production, continuing to shape the distinctive character of Sagamore's rye while honoring its legacy.

Norwood joined Sagamore Spirit in 2016, relocating across the country to join the brand when it opened in 2017. Since then, he has held nearly every role within the organization, gaining hands-on experience across all facets of production and operations and becoming an integral part of the Sagamore family.

"It's a true privilege to become Master Distiller for Sagamore Spirit," said Ryan Norwood. "I'm eager to carry our story forward through the whiskey itself, and work with a team that shares the same relentless passion for Maryland rye and pushing our craft to new heights."

Throughout his tenure, Norwood has helped define the flavor profile that sets Sagamore apart, championing the craftsmanship of the distilling team. For the grain, the process, the history, and especially the people who bring it all to life, Sagamore's approach is intentional at every step. Great whiskey doesn't happen by accident. It is the result of curiosity, patience, and teamwork. Norwood believes in honoring tradition while thoughtfully pushing boundaries, staying true to Maryland-style rye while exploring new expressions that reflect the team's vision for the future of rye whiskey.

He has played an integral role in developing many of Sagamore's recent releases, including the 10-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey, High Rye Bourbon and the Limited-Edition Baltimore Ravens Festivus Maximus Small Batch Rye Whiskey. His creativity and expertise have helped craft whiskeys that respect tradition while advancing the category. As Master Distiller, he will continue driving innovation, bringing new expressions to life that reflect both Sagamore's heritage and bold vision.

"Success, to me, isn't about personal recognition—it's about lifting up the team and continuing to craft whiskey we're all proud to stand behind," Norwood said. "If I can help foster a culture where innovation flourishes, quality remains uncompromised, and every bottle tells a story we believe in, then I'll feel I've done my job. Ultimately, if our fans continue to feel a connection to what we're creating, and our team continues to grow and thrive together, that's the greatest measure of success I could ask for."

Sagamore Spirit remains driven by a singular mission: to craft the world's best rye whiskey. Rooted in the proud legacy of Maryland Rye, long celebrated for its quality and distinctive character, the distillery carries that tradition forward with a modern approach to American whiskey. From building close relationships with local farmers and sourcing non-GMO grains to embracing a meticulous grain-to-glass process, Sagamore Spirit is relentless in its pursuit of excellence, ensuring every bottle reflects both heritage and innovation.

For more information on Sagamore Spirit, please visit SagamoreSpirit.com

About Sagamore Spirit
Inspired by Maryland's rye heritage and whiskey enthusiasts worldwide, Sagamore Spirit strives to create the finest Rye Whiskey imaginable. Maryland Rye Whiskey, known for its full-bodied, sweeter, and smoother profile, is exemplified by Sagamore Spirit's triple distilled, two-mash-bill approach. Sagamore Spirit is committed to sourcing high-quality grains through its grain-to-glass process while utilizing top-quality non-GMO grains and supporting the local farming community. Through this program, Sagamore Spirit has engaged with local farmers to purchase seeds upfront with a pledge to buy the harvest and worked with the University of Maryland Agricultural Extension to expand Rye cultivation in Maryland.

Located in the Baltimore Peninsula, the award-winning waterfront distillery in Baltimore welcomes approximately 40,000 visitors annually. Sagamore Spirit is reasserting the city's historic role in American whiskey, where distillers crafted rye whiskey for decades before Kentucky's rise. Sagamore Spirit's rye whiskeys have earned over 200 international awards, including "Best Rye Whiskey" in 2023 at the John Barleycorn Awards. Learn more about Sagamore Spirit's expressions, including Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey, Sagamore Cask Strength Rye Whiskey, Sagamore Double Oak Rye Whiskey, and limited-time Reserve Series releases at https://sagamorespirit.com/.

Media Contact
Eliza Williams Reilly
[email protected]

SOURCE Sagamore Spirit