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

Unbelievably smooth for a rye. Tastes like caramel and vanilla. Dark cherry on the nose. Incredible choice.

Lot of cured meats, Smokey notes along with strong oak presence

4+ Nose: dark chocolate graham cracker, subtle black cherry, subtle herbal/ floral, salted caramel Palate: cherry-oak, rich, viscous, fading fruit, leather-spice Finish: moderate, zero bite, cherry return

My first introduction to Sagamore was a store pick that surprised me with the level I enjoyed it. Based on that I decided to pull the trigger on this limited edition annual release. Usually I think Woodford when I hear the phrase double oaked and those bottles never disappoint. I am hoping the tag is just as tasty for Sagamore. Nose is much more bourbon like than any rye I have had. Maybe the fancy toasted waves in the barrels soften the rye notes, but I am getting hints of toasty brown sugar and ginger snaps. First sip is a bit of a ride. There is a bit of the banana bread notes reminiscent of the Jack Daniel's Single Barrels, but this dram brings some hefty brown sugar and cinnamon glaze. The burn that comes on mid sip brings a decent amount of heat that fades nicely on the edges with a light caramel finish. Overall this is a really nice bottle. I am really impressed with what Sagamore is bringing to the table for an upstart. The bottles themselves look great and unlike many of the newbies putting crappy young whiskey in pretty packaging, Sagamore seems to have put together a solid recipe. I will definitely be trying more of their offerings. This is a bottle I will miss when it is gone and definitely be looking for a backup.

Shared with me by a friend. A very good rye and a very good friend. Give this one a try. You won’t be disappointed.