Heavy brown sugar | Cinnamon stick | Lightly charred oak | Dry yellow cake | Baking spices

Cinnamon syrup | Light rye spice | Brown sugar | Dash of vanilla powder | Black peppercorn spice | Charred oak | Faint molasses 

Leather | Cinnamon powder | Slightly dry oak | Vanilla | Rye spice | Lingering heat

Sagamore Spirit is a five-acre waterfront distillery located in the Baltimore Peninsula neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland. The company was founded in 2013 by Kevin Plank, executive chairman of the sports brand Under Armour. In September 2023, Illva Saronno Holding S.p.A., an Italian company known for the Italian liquor, Disaronno, purchased a majority stake in Sagamore Spirit. As part of the company’s Reserve Series, the company states that High Rye Bourbon “marks the first time Sagamore has crafted a bourbon-style whiskey that pays homage to Kentucky's bourbon heritage while celebrating Maryland's rye traditions.” The bourbon was released only at the distillery and select retailers throughout Baltimore, Maryland. 

Sagamore High Rye Bourbon will appeal to those who appreciate a sweet and spicy sip as it weaves this theme throughout from start to finish. Opening with heavy brown sugar notes, dryer notes of cinnamon stick, charred oak, and yellow cake help balance out the sweetness. Syrup and brown sugar boost the sweetness in the palate, while black peppercorn and rye spice remind you of the quarter rye grain found in the bourbon's mashbill. Ending on classic dry notes along with a dash of vanilla, the bourbon never comes across as too dry, instead providing a nice balance to the finish. 

Given that they're typically focused on rye whiskey, Sagamore Spirit came out swinging with their High Rye Bourbon Release. At just 6 years old, the whiskey is well-rounded and full of flavor. Its proof is never overwhelming, instead helping to pull out and enhance the flavors. Add in a sub-$50 price tag and the end result is a great bourbon that’s affordable.