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Whiskey Review: Sagamore Spirit Rye

We review Sagamore Spirit Rye, a new Maryland-style rye whiskey proofed with limestone water from a horse farm.

OVERALL RATING

6
$40.00
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Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey

Tasting Notes

About:

83 Proof. $40/750ml. A blend of low- and high-rye whiskey from Indiana with Maryland limestone spring water added to proof.
Appearance:
This whiskey pours a dull, almost cloudy shade of light amber with an orange, even pinkish hue to it. The legs in the glass seem solid, forming small beads which trail, snail-like, down the glass’ interior.
Nose:
This rye smells very inviting, mostly because it lacks any true power in the nose. A maple-like dark waft of sweetness leads, followed by a thick note of cherry pie filling. Some expected rye complexity exists here as well, expressing itself through counterbalance, upsetting the overall dessert-y aroma with notes of wood varnish and a slight mushroominess.
Palate:
While the nose tends to confuse, the palate falls short of excitement but offers a more cohesive dram. The first sip leads off boldly with complementary vanilla and earthy rye spice, and carries the liquid across the tongue with a blanket of wildflower honey flavors that linger briefly. Each sip leaves behind a dryness though, a husky peppercorn twinge and raw cinnamon stick followed by a dusty coating of oak, which serves to discard the style-defining caramel corn sweetness that a Maryland Rye drinker will be searching for. It’s inoffensive and repeat sips are easy (especially at this lower proof), but its expression of a niche style and sweeter ryes in general is a bit confused and lacking.
Finish:
Comments:
Sagamore Spirit is certainly making a step toward the revitalization of Maryland-style Rye with this product, and continued efforts seem necessary with the schizophrenic nature of the liquid in this bottle. The best part of this Rye is it’s drinkability. I look forward to revisiting future incarnations of this product, although I’d hesitate to suggest you rush out and buy its current iteration.rn

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jim Bonomo

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