Does Sagamore’s Debut Bourbon Live Up to Its Stellar Rye Reputation?
(Photo: Sagamore Spirit)
After years of setting a high bar with its spectacular rye whiskeys, the Baltimore, Maryland-based Sagamore Spirit has officially stepped into bourbon territory. Introduced in early October, Sagamore High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey marks the distillery’s first foray into the category, and whiskey drinkers were curious how the brand known for its polished, spice-forward ryes would handle making bourbon, a spirit known for its naturally sweet profile.
The Baltimore distillery handled the transition with grace, melding the sweetness of bourbon with its own spicy DNA. The bourbon is crafted from a high-rye mashbill of 60% corn, 25% rye and 15% malted rye, a distinctive twist that replaces the traditional malted barley with malted rye to enhance spice. It’s triple distilled, aged six years, and bottled at 118 proof, with a suggested retail price of $49. The expression is available at Sagamore Spirit’s Baltimore distillery and select retailers in the area.
Does Sagamore’s First Bourbon Live Up to the Lofty Expectations Set By Its Ryes?
We sampled Sagamore High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey and found it to be a lovely expression.
On the nose, the bourbon opens with cinnamon raisin bread, dried raspberries and butterscotch, giving off a soft sweetness that still includes the spice Sagamore fans know and love. The palate follows with cocoa, clove, mint, caramel, frosted cinnamon rolls, soft oak and honeybun, creating a layered, moderately viscous mouthfeel. It finishes long and sweet, with cocoa, caramel, dried cherry, clove and cinnamon carrying through.
At $49, this bourbon represents solid value and a clear reflection of the brand’s rye-driven philosophy. While it may not reach the same heights as Sagamore’s best rye whiskeys, it doesn’t need to; it stands on its own as a well-executed and distinctly Sagamore take on bourbon. We’re excited to see what’s to come on the bourbon front from Sagamore.
Click here to read our full review of this bourbon.
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