Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Rye Whiskey Review

Lee Stang -

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Sagamore Spirit, Baltimore, MD, sourced from MGP distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
  • MASH BILL: A blend of two different straight rye whiskies – a high rye content and a low rye content. Percentages are proprietary.
  • AGE: No Age Statement but according to the distillery 4 to 5 years
  • YEAR: 2017
  • PROOF: 112.2 (56.1% ABV)
  • MSRP: $74.99 in Virginia
  • BUY ONLINE: Total Wine $69.99

LEE'S NOTES

NOSE: Rye Bread | Cherry | Pepper

TASTE: Pepper | Vanilla | Rye Spice

FINISH: A nice finish of vanilla and cherries with pepper lingering on the back of the tongue. A nice burn that sneaks up as you sip.

SHARE WITH: I would share this with anyone who wants to try a good, high proof, rye.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes, I find this to a very good rye whiskey. It is worthy of a spot in my cabinet.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: This is definitely worth trying in a bar if you can find it. I know at this cost many would hesitate to buy without trying. It is becoming more wide spread in distribution, so if you are interested in trying before buying keep an eye out.

OVERALL: Last summer I had the opportunity to attend a Sagamore Spirit Rye tasting. I like their regular rye offering, but at 83 proof, it is a nice rye but not great. The Cask Strength Rye, however, is excellent. It has finally arrived here in Virginia and I purchased a bottle when I saw it.

Sagamore Spirit is owned by Kevin Plank, who you may know better as the CEO of Under Armour. The distillery is based in Baltimore and is “… committed to putting Maryland back on the map as the premier distiller of rye whiskey.” According to a Sagamore Spirit press release, Maryland held one third of the US rye whiskey supply in 1939. Unfortunately, all the distilleries converted to ethanol production for World War II and they never came back.

The Sagamore Spirit Distillery opened in Baltimore in April 2017 and they do not hide the fact that their rye right now is sourced from MGP in Indiana. Their rye is finished from spring water from the historic Sagamore Farm, also owned by Kevin Plank.

This is one of the better rye whiskies I have tasted. Not as good as the recently released Kentucky Owl but at half the price, a great bargain. I certainly like this better than Bulleit Rye. It is very drinkable, not too hot for the proof, and it has a great rye flavor.

It is worthy of a pour.

BRAND NOTES

Fueled by Maryland’s great veteran distillers, we forged a new path to define cask strength rye whiskey. There are no shortcuts here; no dilutions or alterations – simply a splash of spring water and a time-honored tradition of patience and purpose. Aged fully, and exploding in color and flavor, it’s a spirit that connects us to a storied past only Maryland Rye Whiskey can claim. These are our deepest roots, distilled.

Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Rye Whiskey is an American straight rye whiskey with a unique mash bill and proofing process. Sagamore Spirit ages two different rye mash bills – a high rye and a low rye – and then blends them to make their proprietary recipe. Each barrel ages to a slightly different proof, which means every bottle will have a unique proof, close to 111 or 112. A ladle of Sagamore Farm spring-fed water is added for a touch of smoothness. 100 percent of both Sagamore’s 83-proof rye and Cask Strength Rye uses this distinct water.
Proud winner of Double Gold from the prestigious San Francisco Spirits Competition, Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Whiskey is perfect on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail.

TASTING NOTES

  • Aroma: Full-bodied with notes of dark chocolate
  • Palate: Surprising flavors of honeysuckle and citrus with a touch of caramel
  • Color: Deep chestnut
  • Finish: Bold – with black pepper and vanilla