The Basics: 

Sagamore Spirit

98.0 Proof

No Age Statement

$70 MSRP

Nose:

Demerara sugar, angel food cake, mint, coconut, almond, and lightly roasted coffee beans.

Palate: 

Thick mouthfeel with coconut macaroon, lime, candied orange peel, ginger, and a hint of smoke.

Finish:

Medium-long finish of tart lime, sugar, and slight saltiness.

Final Thoughts:

For the first Sagamore reserve series release of the year, Sagamore Spirit finished their standard straight rye whiskey in extra anejo tequila barrels, which created a remarkably sweet and tropical whiskey. The first thing you notice is the sweetness coming off of the glass, reminiscent of angel food cake, coconut, and sweet mint. The palate has a thicker than normal mouthfeel as the coconut continues alongside candied orange peels and ginger. As the coconut fades, you are left with a nice lime and salt note, which is actually similar to a margarita. At first I was a bit skeptical when I heard that a rye whiskey was finished in tequila barrels, but after one glass, I am now a believer! This is a delicious rye unlike anything else you will find on the shelf.