Sagamore Spirit 8 Year Rye (2021 Release)

Every Sagamore Spirit I've tried has been excellent. When their spirits call to me, I'm eager to try them. Just kidding. Strangely, although this 8 Year expression is praised as outstanding, it's been my least preferred. Not because it's poor; it's actually very good and deceptively potent. It's around 115 proof, but it drinks like 90. It's smooth with minimal alcohol sharpness, yet it can sneak up on you. I opened it on Thanksgiving, gave a glass to my father, and he enjoyed it immensely. I also love it. Sagamore excels so much at finishes that this one feels somewhat one-dimensional. Sagamore's strength appears to be in their finishes: Cognac, Tequila, Double Oak, Rum. I've sampled the Cask Strength, and it was superb. In fact, I preferred that 4-year-old bottling to this 8-year-old. Not that I dislike the 8-year-old. It's great. The peculiar reason I don't rave about this one is that it strongly resembles Templeton 10 Year Cask Strength. This is the closest Sagamore has ever come to tasting like something I've already experienced, and that Templeton was also excellent, though not as impressive as the Sagamore Double Oak (possibly my favorite), the Tequila Finished (my second choice), the Ale Cask (my third), or the Cask Strength (my fourth). This is much ado about nothing. I'm complaining because a fine whiskey isn't as exceptional as other fine whiskies from the same brand. The nose is wonderful: spiced banana nut bread with vanilla pudding and cinnamon. The palate has golden raisins and allspice with perhaps a touch of candied orange. The finish is long and peppery, typical of Sagamore, with a good amount of salted caramel. It just lacks that special element Sagamore usually provides, which is some kind of unexpected twist from barrel finishing. I'm complaining about nothing. I should reprimand myself for finding fault with such a commendable bottle. In reality, I have no issues. This is good quality. This is excellent quality. This is fantastic. It's simply not my top Sagamore pick, and Sagamore might currently be my favorite American whisky producer. I'm complaining about nothing.

The aroma is abundant with scorched wood and bright, sugary fruit, complemented by creamy vanilla undertones. Dried blossoms and spicy rye florals complete the lively sensory experience. It's clearly an aged rye, as the fruit and floral elements intensify with time. The taste is smooth, rich, and coats the palate easily before releasing a wave of floral rice spice that blankets the entire mouth. Scorched wood and vanilla provide balance, contributing to a powerful burst of flavor. The finish is extended and zesty, with rye leaving a tingle as all components harmonize and slowly dissipate, offering lingering notes to continuously discover more flavor. An eight-year maturity is ideal for rye, allowing the spice to stand apart from the greener, grassy notes of younger whiskey. It's unfortunate that aged rye like this isn't more common in availability or affordable. Fortunately, the distillery manages to excel in both areas, delivering an exceptional rye.

NEAT NOSE - A first whiff of spearmint transitions to brown sugar, caramel, cinnamon, orange zest, and a hint of cherry. PALATE - Well-rounded, silky, and a great texture on the palate. It doesn't feel heavy or syrupy, but it still has a pleasingly full feel. The spearmint is the dominant flavor upfront, followed by the other notes detected on the nose, except for the cinnamon. My disappointment stems from those other flavors being quite subdued and far less intense than the aroma indicated. It's unfortunate and the reason for my 3.75 ⭐️ rating. Still, it's a mellow and pleasing rye, though I genuinely expected more. FINISH - Lingers for a moderate duration. Cherry and agreeable, non-astringent oak notes. PURCHASE? - Since I consider this an outstanding deal from a small-batch producer I admire, I would still suggest buying this bottle if you find it. Your experience might differ. REPURCHASE? - No, but I obtained the 9-year expression recently and anticipate tasting it to compare.

Nose: Quite unremarkable. Nothing particularly stands out here. Some rich caramel and rye, with a faint hint of cinnamon. It leaves much to be desired. The alcohol is also quite noticeable. Taste: Chocolate, rye spice, and a subtle touch of baking spices, just enough to be perceived. Vanilla and deep caramel notes are present. I detect a slight hint of black tea. The balance is very good here. The finish is medium to long, leaning towards the longer side. Truly excellent. This is highly distinctive because all the flavors emerge prominently at the outset and then reappear during the finish. I don't get much in the mid-palate besides the black tea note. Overall: It's amazing. The finish is where this expression truly shines. Definitely worth purchasing, and then some. 4.35

Batch 1a - Acquired at the distillery in Nov 2021...The aroma is somewhat reserved, but a grassy rye spice is present...Adding a little water helps slightly and reveals some baking spices and vanilla/caramel, but it stays relatively light, and I desired a bit more. The taste is significantly better (and quite good) with a full rye character - abundant spice, earl grey tea, and more vanilla upfront than I anticipated. An easy drinker with or without water, this is pleasant and warming with a more-than-acceptable finish. I truly enjoy this pour...I just feel it's holding back a little, even after some time on the shelf...but at the same time, I would gladly purchase it again

A present from my employer. Cask strength. Aged eight years, with a high rye content. Sourced from MGP. This is my preferred bottle. It's spicy, earthy, and oily, embodying a true rye character. It has a long, warm, deep aftertaste that gently fades with grassy and charred oak notes. Seek it out, discover it, acquire it, and relish it. I hold nothing but affection and high regard for this MGP rye, which surpasses most others.