Sagamore Spirit 8 Year Straight Rye (2023 Release)

Batch 1A. I was excited about this and to try something with more age. It was a step up compared to the usual 3-4 year ryes. However it left me wanting more. More depth to the flavors, more intensity on the after taste, more spearmint or herbal notes on the nose. For the price, it was ok as an $80 bottle.

Hands down one of the best Ryes out there—and very likely the best rye under $80. NOSE: Right out of the gate, the nose reminded me of very old and much pricer ryes (e.g, Thomas H. Handy, Willett green tops, etc.). It’s weird to say, but you can almost smell the viscocity on the nose here. Aromas of toffee, baking spice, and barrel char leap out of the glass. Might just be the best nose on any rye i’ve had. Seriously. PALATE: Very lucious and viscous mouthfeel upfront, ushering along notes of caramel, toffee, and classic rye spice. While i mostly enjoy Sagamore’s house style, I sometimes get an unpleasant taste that reminds me of an over-burnt incense candle. But here that flavor is completely absent, perhaps ironed out via extra aging. OVERALL: This is a must buy. My biggest regret is that i did not buy two bottles. It’s really that sensational. 4.75/5