Sagamore Spirit Reserve Series 8-Year-Old Rye Whiskey landed on my desk at 55.7% ABV), carrying a $79 for a 750ml bottle price tag. With 8 years in new charred American white oak barrels of age behind it, Here is what I found.
Nose
Tones of copper line the Glencairn and a swish of the wrist welcomes long legs. A sweet bite nips at the nose, medicinal notes along with apricot and pumpkin pie spice join a smidge of smokiness.
Finish
A cornucopia of flavors that all unite into a rye whiskey that gives a little of everything, a unique umami taste. The smooth mouthfeel makes it easy to pick out fudgy notes, peppery at points, with elements of not overly ripe boysenberry. The whiskey is voluminous and moves smoothly toward a long finish.
The Bottom Line
Sagamore Spirit Reserve Series 8-Year-Old Rye Whiskey is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it at $79 for a 750ml bottle, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.
