This bottle was not on my radar, but we happened to see it on the shelf, and I am always hard-pressed to pass on a 10-year age-stated product. I have had a love-hate relationship with other Sagamore products in the past, and unfortunately, this bottle held a mixed reaction for me. Today’s review comes from the Sagamore Distillery and is their release of Sagamore 10-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey.

Bottle Information

From the Sagamore website: Careful maturation and thoughtful blending are on display in this 10-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey. After aging our rye in new charred American white oak barrels for at least 10 years, we created this blend that boasts aromas of peach crumble, roasted nuts, and molasses cookie. Balancing sweet with spice, this rye whiskey has full flavors of crème brûlée, floral honey, and lingering white pepper. Our Sagamore Spirit Reserve Series celebrates the legacy of Maryland distilling, with an unyielding focus on excellence from start to finish.

• Distiller: Distilled in Indiana, Bottled by Sagamore Spirits
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 110.8
• Age: 10 Years
• Year: 2025
• MSRP: $80
• Official Website

As with most Sagamore products, this is a relatively easy bottle to find in the NoCo area. Overall, this bottle has one of the best rye noses I have smelled in a long time, with beautiful notes of Rye Spice, Vanilla, and Citrus. Unfortunately, I have mentioned this before with higher-aged ryes, on my palate, after about 8 years, most become a bit too oak tannin forward on the finish and even a bit sour. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Rye Spice, Citrus, Vanilla, Caramel, Mint, and Oak
• Palate: Vanilla, Rye Spice, Oak, White Pepper, and Caramel
• Finish: Medium to Long with Notes of Rye Spice and Sour Oak Tannins
• My Rating: Mix It! (Beautiful nose, unfortunately, my palate is just not a fan of most 10+ year old ryes on the finish…)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman®