Sagamore Spirit Port Finish Rye (2019 Release)

That time of year again. College starts on Monday, so I'm in Maryland getting ready for another move. Before I left with my son (yes, he's the one going to college), I figured, when in Rome (or Maryland), I would grab this sample where this spirit was made, and if time permitted, I would try it. Well, I found some time. The color is a deep amber with a slight strawberry tint. The aroma is similar to a certain Dram. Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon baking spices are mixed with dill, vanilla cream, maraschino cherries, and ripe plums. Digging deeper, milk chocolate and raisins add more sweetness to the baking spices. The first taste is numbing, thick, and creamy, and definitely sweet. Those spices found on the nose are present on the palate. Vanilla and brown sugar provide the sugary sweetness that encases dill, cloves, nutmeg, and white pepper. Hidden within the medley of flavors, some stone fruits make their way through: plums, black cherries. A hint of pomegranate emerges towards the finish. Fruits, oak tannins, and spices with a touch of vanilla cream ride the finish for a good duration. The palate remains woody and drying, keeping the mouth dry all evening. Adding water lessens the spicy edge and that creamy body becomes thinner while still retaining all the sweetness. It's definitely better at full strength. A solid offering from Sagamore Spirits. Full of sugar and spice and everything nice. A good amount of depth backed by full cask strength. A fantastic alternative to that other Dram at two-thirds the price. Most of the Sagamore line I've tried were decent but nothing remarkable. This, however, is remarkable and worth seeking out, sampling, and buying. Thanks to a friend for the generous sample. A nice little surprise. [89/100][Tasted: 8/24/19]

The regular Sagamore was acceptable. Nothing remarkable, but not so flawed that I dismissed the brand entirely. Based on online discussions and conversations with acquaintances, this Port Finish is considered their best. I'm pleased I found it before it sold out. Batch 1B; Bottle 3391; By a person. Nose: Gala apple/apple cider. Rye bread, rye spice, and black pepper. Vanilla, toffee, caramel, and fudge. Plum and apricot. Black licorice and black cherry. Dill, clove, nutmeg, and oak. An amazing and distinctive aroma. Palate: Rye bread and rye spice. Black pepper, dill, clove, and nutmeg. Caramel, vanilla, and toffee. Gala apple and apple cider. Black cherry and black licorice. Wintergreen and peppermint. Pistachio and mint chocolate. Perhaps a subtle plum note, but less pronounced than in the aroma. It presents more like a typical rye than the nose suggested, but the quality remains evident. An excellent taste. Finish: Black pepper, dill, clove, and nutmeg. Rye spice, rye bread, Gala apple, and apple cider. Pistachio, walnut, and mint chocolate. A medium-length finish; unexpectedly brief for a 50.5% ABV spirit. Still, solid. An incredible aroma, a great palate, and a respectable finish. A truly fine whiskey overall. And a significant improvement considering it cost $60. This surpasses most American whiskies finished in wine casks. The only comparable ones that come to mind are the Jefferson's Groth Cask and Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask. It matches the former and is slightly better than the latter. That's impressive company. This product renews my confidence in Sagamore after my experience with their standard offering. I'm convinced. I'm uncertain if this was a limited release or if they plan future production. Regardless, it's a must-purchase. Rated 4.75 out of 5.

The port influence is present throughout this dram without overshadowing the whiskey's inherent character. Nose: Rich, tannic fruit notes and light spice, with a sweetness attempting to emerge but ultimately overcome by spice. Palate: Spicy, with dark fruity notes and a dry, slightly bitter character. Finish: It finishes like port. You began with a whiskey having subtle port notes and concluded with a port exhibiting faint Rye whiskey characteristics. Excellent balance and transformation. It truly deserves its award. Why a score of only 4? Because my palate prefers a more prominent whiskey presence from start to finish when consumed neat. This is a personal bias. If I detected more spice alongside the fruity, dry finish, it would readily score 4.5-5.

Batch 7A... The nose is generally spicy and harsh, with notes of rye bread, black pepper, lemon/lime zest, and ethanol, slightly balanced by a good amount of maple. Thankfully, the taste improves slightly from the nose, with a good serving of sweet cherry fruit upon entry, which develops into an intense rye kick with some harsh heat before fading. The finish is warm and lingers, but unfortunately, the notes are bitter/astringent, green pepper, and new oak. Overall, from the mid-palate to the finish, I found this an unpleasant pour. This will be remembered as one of my most overpriced bottles, alongside Peerless Rye.

It tasted a bit young to my palate. The toffee really stood out to my nose. I truly enjoyed this dram. Some might not appreciate port finishes on their rye, but I like it when done well. This distillery has done it well, believe me. I will keep a bottle in my regular rotation. Nose: spice, toffee Palate: dark chocolate, plum, rye spice Finish: dry, caramel

Appearance - Deep red like cherry. Nose - Syrupy, with dark cherries, some plum, and spice. Taste - Plum and dried cherries with dark chocolate and a smooth, powerful rye spice. Finish - A long-lasting dark chocolate cherry with hints of apple, leaving the mouth slightly dry but providing warmth.