Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Straight Rye

I heard some of the more common Sagamore Rye bottles weren’t that great (Double Oak and Straight Rye) and was able to try this bottle at a restaurant. I had it neat and in a glencairn glass. The nose has the rye spice I was expecting but something was off a bit. It wasn’t as pleasant as many of the other ryes I’ve had in the past. Almost like some lemon, orange, or herbs that was coming through. The palate then made me really question what I was drinking. It was “okay” but the herbal taste came out way to strong for me. I didn’t enjoy it and it drowned out any of the rye flavors, vanilla, and oak. The finish confirmed the taste as it didn’t linger too long but continued the “herbalness” with a mixture of oak. Overall, this was a rye I wouldn’t try again. I’m a big rye fan and for some reason, didn’t like this too much at all.

Has quite a bit of apple on the finish and sweetness. No burn for being cask strength. Nice clove on the front with good viscosity and mouth feel. With a touch of water: Brings out more of the spicy clove Muted middle notes Still apple on finish Would drink again

Spicy start with a warm caramel middle

All your traditional rye spice kicked up a notch by the higher proof, with none of the heat. Then that light sweetness comes in and lasts for a full finish. New favorite rye or at least tied with New Riff Malted!