Sagamore Spirit Straight Rye

Sagamore Spirit. While it may be sourced from MGP, it seems that they do their own blending and finishing (the former of which applies to this one). While they may not be putting out their own stock just yet, it seems that the Maryland-based distillery is aging their own distillate and well inevitably have its own product, from start to finish, out on the market. For now, let's take a look at the current, MGP-sourced base product. Batch 7A, Bottle 284 Nose: Standard "bready" notes that I often find in ryes. Obviously rye bread, but also a bit of sourdough. Some apple cider, gala apple notes. Black pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. Dill pickle and spearmint. Hints of pistachio and vanilla. Some roasted nut.Greenish, cedar notes. It's mild but enjoyable. Balanced as opposed to sweet or spicy. Palate: Caramel and vanilla. Black licorice. More of those apple notes, now accompanied by apricot. Still bready and green. Dill pickle. A bit sour, but nothing that I would consider off putting just a touch in that direction. Maybe even a bit of orange citrus. Cherry, ginger, and honey. There's a good amount going on here. Finish: Short kick of spice. There's more of the rye breadiness and then a quick burst of cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, and clove. Suffers from a lack of ABV, as it's gone as quickly as it hits. Calling it short-medium would be generous. Tough one to score. I think this was designed to be a background sipper. If that's the case, they certainly hit their mark. It's just unique enough to be noteworthy, but isn't exactly an attention-grabber. At 41.5% ABV, I think it's safe to say they were going for a more subtle approach. Subtle it is. And while I very much enjoy this whiskey for what it is, I don't score these types of drams all too high. This is the Michelob Ultra of rye whiskey. And I'm not on a diet. While the nose and palate are surprisingly enjoyable, there is virtually no finish here. The Maryland whiskey scene is the Wild West as far as I'm concerned. Pikesville is now distilled at Heaven Hill, and Sagamore's portfolio is technically Indiana whiskey. I remember trying the Sagamore Port Finish at a tasting; and I remember being impressed. Will have to try again. And while I give this 2.75 stars for now, I must say that I'd be willing to give them another go with the Port Finish. As for this, it's decent whiskey but nothing to go out of your way to try.

Nose - ethanol, eucalyptus, licorice, clove, moderate ethanol burn. Taste - licorice, clove, vanilla, eucalyptus, finishing quick and fairly spicy. Not bad, but I prefer Pikesville to this.

Light