Sagamore Spirit 8 Year Straight Rye (2023 Release)

Many positive qualities present; poppyseed pastry, blueberry, black pepper, lemongrass, rye spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, leather, and citrus. Ethanol is low but noticeable. Intricate and appealing. The taste mirrors the pastry and blueberry from the aroma, with cinnamon sugar dusted snickerdoodle cookie, very sweet oak, clove, white pepper, cola, and dark chocolate. Exceptionally well-combined, powerful, and balanced flavors. Aftertaste is on the longer side of medium, featuring toasted marshmallow, chocolate mint, burnt sugar, white pepper, cinnamon toast, and tobacco leaf. Texture is exceptional; extremely thick and velvety for a rye, yet simultaneously effervescent and tingly, elevating it significantly. Phenomenal. As a side note, I recently brought this to a whiskey gathering with about 10 other bourbons/scotches and everyone agreed this stole the show. The fact that this is mostly available and not allocated proves the whole “whiskey tater” stereotype because one would be hard pressed to find a better rye. At $80, this is an absolute steal. 6 out of 5. Wait scratch that, it’s terrible. Hard avoid. Leave more for me. (lol)

Undoubtedly one of the top Ryes available, and quite possibly the best rye under $80. AROMA: Immediately upon nosing, it reminded me of much more expensive, older ryes (e.g., Thomas H. Handy, Willett green tops, etc.). It's unusual to say, but you can almost perceive the viscosity in the aroma. Notes of toffee, baking spice, and barrel char emerge prominently from the glass. It might possess the best aroma of any rye I've encountered. Truly. PALATE: A very rich and viscous mouthfeel initially, carrying notes of caramel, toffee, and classic rye spice. While I generally appreciate Sagamore's house style, I sometimes detect an unpleasant flavor reminiscent of an over-burnt incense candle. However, that note is completely absent here, perhaps due to extended aging. OVERALL: This is a must-purchase. My only significant regret is not buying a second bottle. It's that exceptional. 4.75/5

Smell: rye spice, vanilla, black cherry, clove Taste: cherry-vanilla crème bomb initially which remains under a perfect rye spice/oak/black tea flavor that continues to the finish. Aftertaste: Nice long rye spice, oak, clove/mint/tea goodness Smell, Taste, and Aftertaste all top notch. Absolutely delicious, nectar of the gods level, haha.. The best rye I’ve had yet, quickly purchased a second bottle before supplies ran out. Really impressed with Sagamore.

The nose includes blackberry, vanilla, caramel, leather, and flowers on top of the rye. I'm sold. The palate is full and smooth, with apple, cinnamon, and raisin bread complementing the nose's flavors. Black pepper and clove appear. A subtle savory herbal note underlies abundant charred wood. A long, spicy, herbal finish. Elegant. Superb.

From the first batch. I was looking forward to this and trying something aged longer. It was an improvement over the typical 3-4 year ryes. However, I felt it was lacking. More depth in the flavors, a more intense finish, and more spearmint or herbal notes on the nose were desired. For the cost, it was adequate as an $80 bottle.

A bold and spirited rye. The nose has oak, garlic, cumin, baking spices, and alcohol. The palate has a touch of the medicinal, bitter oak I dislike, but this is a rather compelling whiskey.