Sagamore Spirit Straight Rye

I purchased a pint of this for $21.99 at Total Wine, as I'm exploring rye. There's no age statement, the whisky is a blend of two different mash bills, and it has a copper color in the glass. It's only 83 proof. NOSE: I only detected a couple of notes in my first glass, but after sitting for a few days after opening, the nose really opened up. I detected notes of mineral or salt, perhaps both together; alfalfa hay, milk chocolate and caramel; red berries (possibly raspberries or thimbleberries); something that was both meaty and buttery; a note that reminded me of sunshine on a meadow; another reminder of a summer lawn; honey; and pine lumber. This is definitely not a bourbon nose. MOUTHFEEL: Thin, which is understandable at 83 proof, but creamy nonetheless. TASTE: Spring water, spiced honey, a little oak, and a blend of salt and sugar. FINISH: Grass and hay, faint honey - short. SUMMARY: After waiting a few days, the whisky opened up considerably. The nose became very promising, but the rest of the whisky doesn't live up to it. Overall, this whisky turned out to be unimpressive. RATING: On my personal scale, it ranks 4th out of 8, counting from the bottom, which I consider Okay. This is equivalent to 2.5 stars, 50/100, or 5/10.

BATCH - 12AJ BOTTLE - 0825 BY - LT NEAT NOSE - Considering the proof, the nose is surprisingly full and immersive, more so than I anticipated. It offers notes of cinnamon, honey, and caramel. PALATE - The initial taste is agreeably sweet, with hints of vanilla, caramel, and honey. As it develops, a pleasant spiciness emerges, along with cinnamon and oak tannins. The oak is present but not overwhelming. The texture is thin and light. FINISH - Brief and with a touch of rye spice. BUY? - I'm pleased with this purchase, so I recommend giving it a shot. BUY AGAIN?? - I would happily repurchase this as a daily drinker, especially given its price. However, considering how excellent this 83-proof Rye is, I can only imagine the quality of their cask strength version. My next Sagamore Spirits purchase will definitely be their cask strength offering.

This was my first encounter with Sagamore Spirit Straight Rye. I largely agree with the professional tasting notes. My overall impression can be summarized as 'soft and smooth,' especially for a rye (I'm accustomed to the intensity of many Kentucky Ryes!). It was an enjoyable drink, with none of the lingering warmth often associated with rye. If you or someone you know wants to explore the nuances of rye whiskeys, I recommend this as a well-represented starting point! It's akin to a blind date where you might not seek a second meeting, but you had a pleasant time and enjoyed the conversation!!

Flaviar sample box “Ryenaissance” July, 2022 Sample B Appearance: A thick, medium golden liquid. Smell: Wow, it smells like fried pickles! Deep and very intricate. Notes of dark fruit, cinnamon, and floral hints mingle with grass, hay, and peppery rye. Palate: A rich, butterscotch-like rye with dry oak and tannins. Aftertaste: Little flavor remains; tannins are the main feature. Conclusion: Smooth, yet uninspired and lacking depth. Rating: 3/5 (second best of the three)

A bold Straight Rye Whiskey from Sagamore Spirit Distillery in Maryland, made with copper stills, aged in new charred oak, and bottled at 41.5% ABV. It begins with aromas of grain, wood, fruit, flowers, and spices. The taste is robust and spicy, with notes of vanilla, honey, spice, nutmeg, peach, and jasmine, leading to a long, warm finish of rye, spiced apricot nectar, caramel cream, tobacco leaf, orange peel, and oak. December 2023

Nose: grains, sweet cardboard, subtle berry notes. Palate: Consistently balanced, with sweet fruit and some spice, which is unusual for a rye. Finish: Surprisingly warm for only 83 proof, with a lingering sensation in the back of the throat. Overall: An excellent rye that should always be stocked. Representing Baltimore well.