Sagamore Spirit Distiller's Select Tequila Finish Rye

Watching football and sipping whiskey with my father became a favorite pastime, a tradition we started after college when I moved out but remained close enough to return on Sundays for laundry. We're supporters of the Eagles, fitting given our location in southeastern Pennsylvania. If you back a rival team, let's reserve any disagreements or jabs for a different platform; this is a space for sharing our appreciation for whiskey, correct? For the past decade, my father and I primarily consumed single malt scotch. However, with the advent of tariffs and escalating prices, and since my father isn't fond of bourbon's corn sweetness, we ventured into the realm of rye whiskey, exploring options like High West Double Rye and the standard Knob Creek Rye. We went through multiple bottles of Canadian Club 100% Rye and JP Wiser's Triple Barreled Rye, both priced at $11.99, before expanding to more specialized selections such as this one. This purchase was somewhat impulsive. The expert rating of 82 contrasted with the community score of 4.25. While the community consists of only nine other users, reviews on other platforms piqued my interest. At $69.99 in Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, it's a significant expense for me, but the whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate this bottling seem to truly love it, so I decided to give it a try. After all, I enjoy tequila, too. Sort of. And añejo is the most flavorful tequila style, wouldn't you agree? Alright, those last few comments are false. My knowledge of tequila is quite limited; my preference lies with whiskies. If I can find an excellent tequila for $60 and a decent whiskey for the same price, I'll always opt for the whiskey. Nevertheless, from what I've gathered about Sagamore Spirits, they've done some intriguing work with barrel finishes, so I took a chance and bought this bottle in anticipation of the first 2021 Eagles preseason game against Pittsburgh. And the result? It's delightful. That's the adjective I'd use for most whiskies I strongly favor. Not mind-blowingly delightful. Not the best you'll ever taste. Not the ultimate rye experience. But definitely the kind of whiskey I'd buy another bottle of if it's still available in three months. I appreciate the blend of agave and rye spice on the nose. The expert reviewer is correct that the agave overpowers the rye. It has a strong, unique honey-like scent reminiscent of agave syrup. But I question why that would be a negative when it's such a pleasant aroma. If a candle existed with this scent, I'd purchase a dozen, which might reveal other personal issues, but this isn't the appropriate time or place to discuss that. The palate presents a more even balance between the two, with the rye becoming more prominent. In terms of rye characteristics, it possesses that subtle dill note found in Dickel Rye and Dad's Hat (and to a lesser extent in High West Double Rye). So, if you enjoy those, the Sagamore Spirits Tequila finish should satisfy you. The finish is moderately long, with notes of pepper and clove. It lingers pleasantly, encouraging another sip. This is something I wish I could say about the Eagles' performance that night I opened this bottle. They started strong, dominating most of the first half with their key players and their backup quarterback (a former Super Bowl MVP for the Baltimore Ravens, coincidentally Sagamore Spirits' home city). Then, as teams do in preseason, they tested their reserve players and faltered. By that point, my father and I had already switched it off, and he had departed. At least we had a solid whiskey to enjoy throughout the evening, and I have some exciting bottles lined up for the regular season. Stay tuned... P.S. For context, the following week (during the preseason game against the Patriots), my father brought over a Knob Creek Barrel Select Rye (115 Proof) that I had gifted him for Father's Day. The two whiskies, while distinct in their flavor profiles, held up well in a side-by-side comparison. Later, I poured us each a measure of Old Overholt 115, and while I've enjoyed that whiskey on its own (and will continue to do so), it couldn't compare to the other ryes of the evening. Although the Old Overholt 115 has merits, such as its $29.99 price point, its flavor was simply less intense, but that's a topic for another review...

I admit I was a bit hesitant to purchase this. I hadn't encountered a rye finished in a tequila cask before, but an Instagram influencer shared some amazing tasting notes, so I figured, 'Why not!' Then I left it on my bar, unopened. It sat there, catching my eye as I repeatedly passed it by, night after night. Around this time of year, I had bought some Snute stainless glencairns to enjoy whiskeys by the pool. I had also raved about Barrell Seagrass. It just so happened I was out of Seagrass, and I thought, 'It's summer, let's go with the tequila!' Well... let the rye finished in a tequila cask flow! And I did. I shared it with my guests, and we all agreed... this Sagamore Rye finished in a Tequila cask is strikingly similar to Barrell Seagrass! From the sweet nose, the light color, the 'refreshing' sensation on the palate... it's astonishing how alike they are! Anyway... fans of Seagrass will appreciate this! I completely understand it might not be everyone's preference... but this reminds me of summer by the pool!

NOSE: Spice, banana peels, mango, herbal, citrus, grainy sweet, oak, and I suspect a touch of agave sweetness, though it's so faint it might be imagined. Still, a pleasant balance of sweet and rustic, making it enjoyable even if the agave is imaginary. PALATE: Oak, spice, caramel, agave, honey, nuts, baking spice, mango, pepper, and leather. There's a light tropical note, but overall, the Sagamore Reserve Tequila Finish palate is more rustic with a very distinct agave note. Tasty. FINISH: Long – Oak, baking spice, agave sweetness, and tropical fruitiness fade.

A potent whiskey that hits hard like a tequila shot but quickly softens to a sweet finish. The initial spice and pop are a wonderful characteristic of this interesting addition to the Sagamore collection. Caramel and agave syrup are noticeable, along with a light, chili-like spice. The finish remains sweet with an herbal note. Quite intriguing.

Aroma of honey, blueberry, and vanilla toaster strudels. The taste definitely brings out the tequila. It's mellow throughout, lacking spice. Tastes like orange creamsicle. Medium finish with more citrus and mint.

This Rye, aged in Anejo barrels, offers delicate honey and lime citrus notes on the tongue. A truly intriguing and novel pairing for a Paloma cocktail.