Sagamore Spirit 'Sagamore Reserve' Double Oak Rye (2017 Limited Edition Release)

I've been exploring rye extensively for the past few months, and my interest isn't waning. I've set aside three of the most impressive ones I've recently tried for my upcoming tasting entries. The sheer variety of flavors possible with rye distillate is astounding. I appreciate the sweet, fruity styles (like Jack Daniel Single Barrel), the perfectly balanced 'amplified bourbon' ryes (Pikesville), the complex, woodsy ryes reminiscent of the boreal forest (Whistle Pig, Lot 40), and the sophisticated, suave ryes (Dad's Hat, High West). Whether enjoyed neat with a black coffee chaser or as the base for a dry Manhattan, rye offers numerous delights. I had only tasted Sagamore Spirit once before, shared by a companion from the Bourbon Sippers blog; it was a barrel pick from a central Florida liquor store. That particular rye was the most unique I'd ever sampled, possessing an almost shockingly vibrant and flavorful profile. I couldn't resist adding this core expression from Sagamore Spirit to my cart during my most recent shopping trip. Double Oak undergoes an additional 18 months of finishing in 'toasted wave stave barrels.' The company states this process 'imparts... delightful caramel, toffee, hazelnut, and toasted coconut' notes to the release. I sampled this neat from a glencairn after allowing it a good rest. This bottle has been open for about two weeks. I must admit, this one surprised me. My initial few pours had an overwhelming profile of cedar and fruitcake, surpassing even Lot 40's character. Over time, the profile seemed to mellow considerably, revealing a deeper, sweeter, and more intricate character. I'm uncertain whether it was my palate or the bottle itself that changed, but I suggest giving this one some time before forming a definitive opinion. The aroma is reminiscent of a Snickers bar, shredded coconut, milk chocolate, cherry syrup, fruitcake, and a hint of conifer forest floor. There's very little ethanol; it's highly approachable and quite complex. The aromas detected are well above average – very good. On the palate, it's somewhat drier than the nose suggests. It possesses a pleasant spiciness and a nice warmth. Ginger and white pepper are layered over cedar and walnuts. Cherry and dark rye bread notes emerge at mid-palate. The finish is moderately long, gently fading into a sweet echo. This is a very accomplished spirit. I employ a straightforward scoring system that follows a bell curve, with average products scoring around 2.5 and excellence above 4. This offers excellent flavor and represents very good value. Recommended.

This bottle cost me $63.99 at the Uptown Total Wine store. There's no age statement, and while the label indicates it's a blend of two whiskies, one from Indiana and one from Maryland, I did find one site which said that the mash bill is 95% rye and 5% barley. It's 96.6 proof, and in the glass it's a dark copper color. Nose: On the nose I get smoke, the mineral and vegetal notes that are for me characteristic of rye whisky, a little sweetness, and some woodiness. Palate: The mouthfeel is buttery, though that took a second to become apparent. Taste: Right off the bat I got a distinct smoky note. Next there was something that made me think of charcoal, though I've never actually tasted charcoal. I got a sweetness, the standard mineral taste like granite dust, a hint of butter, and a hint of brown sugar. Finish: The finish is short, alas, with an astounding note of oak, followed by red pepper, and then a faint mineral note. Summary: This is very good whisky. It's right on the edge of too much oak, but it doesn't go over that edge. And it's definitely rye. If you like oak, and if you like rye, you'll probably like this. Rating: On my hick scale, where 1 is the lowest and 8 is the highest, I give this a 7 - Right Fine. That translates to 4.375 stars, 87.5/100, or 8.75/10.

My initial experience with Sagamore was a store pick that I surprisingly enjoyed a great deal. Because of that, I chose to purchase this limited, yearly release. Typically, when I hear "double oaked," I think of Woodford, and those bottles consistently deliver. I'm hoping this Sagamore offering is just as delicious. The aroma is more akin to bourbon than any rye I've sampled. Perhaps the sophisticated toasted barrel treatment mellows the rye characteristics, as I'm detecting hints of warm brown sugar and ginger snaps. The first taste is quite an experience. There are some banana bread notes, similar to Jack Daniel's Single Barrels, but this dram introduces significant brown sugar and cinnamon glaze. The warmth that emerges mid-sip brings a good amount of heat, which nicely softens at the edges with a light caramel finish. Overall, this is a really excellent bottle. I'm genuinely impressed by what Sagamore is accomplishing as a newer producer. The bottle designs are attractive, and unlike many newcomers putting mediocre young spirits in fancy packaging, Sagamore appears to have crafted a well-made product. I will certainly explore more of their selections. I'll regret it when this bottle is empty and will definitely look for another.

Aroma - Remarkable brown sugar and cherry juice. There's even a slight hint of prune juice. Wow... as this opens up, it becomes even more intriguing. Intense dark fruits, molasses. I detect almost no oak but loads of vanilla. Yes... this aroma is quite an experience. I have no idea what to anticipate on the palate. Taste - Tobacco, black tea, vanilla, oak, and cherries at the start... the mid-palate has a slight hint of bubblegum and cinnamon... the finish is where this one truly excels... it's an exceptionally long finish. And the transitions your palate experiences are wild. The finish, for me, begins with a vanilla and oak profile. The oak momentarily creates a dry sensation but then transitions to Luxardo cherry and hints of rye spices and smoke. Overall - This is the ideal bottle for group tastings, family gatherings, or even that Friday night pour. It is uniquely outstanding, the bottle design is elegant, it's not excessively spicy, and it has a long finish.

NOSE: OAK, sticky dried dark fruit, baking spice, cocoa, herbal, Twizzlers, char, and subtle nutty notes. My goodness, this is dense… DENSE I tell you, and incredibly darkly fruity beneath the heavy oak. It's a pleasure just to sit and inhale. PALATE: OAK, sticky dried dark fruit, baking spice, cocoa, herbal, Twizzlers, char, and subtle nutty notes are a carbon copy of the aroma, but with deeper oak and dark fruit flavors. Seriously, the oak dominates this Sagamore Spirit Double Oak, but the supporting notes are robust enough to unite, achieve balance, and stabilize the whiskey. FINISH: Long; oak, dark fruit, and spice fade out warmly and dryly.

Vanilla, pine, and robust oak on the nose, as expected. Underlying floral notes and cinnamon. A rich, oily mouthfeel with subtle spice and oak on the palate, quite smooth. There's an initial burn on the finish, followed by rye spiciness that lingers briefly without being overpowering. Nicely balanced with a rye kick at the end. Acquired this in Louisville and had it open for a while before realizing its distinction through research for this tasting.