That time of year again. College starts on Monday, so I find myself in Maryland getting ready for another move in. Before I left with my son (yes, he’s the one going to college), I figured, when in Rome (or Maryland), I would grab this sample where this spirit has been created, and if time permitted, I would sample. Well, I found some time. The color is a rich amber with a slight strawberry hue. The nose is akin to A Midwinters Night Dram. Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon baking spices mixed in with dill, vanilla cream, maraschino cherries, ripened plums. Dig some more, and milk chocolate and raisins (Raisinets) add more sweetness to the baking spices. First draw on the palate is anesthetizing, thick and creamy and most definitely, sweet. Those spices found on the nose are embodied on the palate. Vanilla, brown sugar provides the sugary sweetness encasing dill, cloves, nutmeg and white pepper. Buried in the potpourri of flavors, some stone fruits work their way through: plums, black cherries. A trace of pomegranate comes forward towards the finish. Fruits and oak tannins and spices with a smidge of vanilla cream ride the finish for a good length. The palate remains woody and drying that keep the mouth dry all evening. The addition of water dampens the spicy edge and that creamy body becomes thinner while retaining all the sweetness. Definitely better at full strength. A solid offering from Sagamore Spirits. Full of sugar and spice and everything nice. A fair amount of depth backed with at full cask strength. A fantastic alternative to AMWND at two-thirds the cost. Most of the Sagamore line that I have sampled were decent but nothing that would turn my head. This, however, is a head turner and worthy to seek, sample and purchase. Thanks @dubz480 for the generous sample. A nice little surprise. [89/100][Tasted: 8/24/19]