I can’t stop singing the praises of Sagamore. Instead of a Double Bass blind contest, you should do a Drum-Off, four rye whiskeys in the blind, T H Handy, Michener’s Barrel Proof, Four Gate, and Sagamore. Let your palate be your guide.
I loved last year’s Sagamore 8. I can’t wait for this year’s. That people pay $250+ for Michter’s 10 year rye blows my mind when you can have this. For all the reasons you mention. The density and concentration of flavor on the Saga 8 blow M10 away.
Sagamore Spirit's entire line is excellent. The Sherry finish is maybe my favorite of all whiskeys. Double Oak is outstanding as is the cask strength. Even their base Rye is quite good, especially considering it is lower proof. Going to have to pick up the 8 year. Thanks for the great review!
I have a bottle of the 2021 release, I think it's fantastic. It sits up there next to Redemption 10yr Barrel Proof Rye and Templeton 10 year Rye. Those 3 would make an amazing Triple Bass. Love your content, keep it up.
Sagamore is killing it. I have the DO, Sherry finish, and cask strength. They are all hitters. How does this compare vs the cask strength and store picks like Dusty Dans?
This might be the best rye I've ever had. I really liked batch 1A, but this is better. I was able to find it in my area for under $70. I like it better than the Michter's barrel strength limited release I paid $140 for last year.
Perks of living in Baltimore. Great store picks up here too, had a great 7 year store pick I just killed. Wish I saw you a couple months ago when you were here at the distillery. I was working all that weekend.
Wilderness Trail family reserve cask strength Rye barrel selects have a unique flavor profile that is amazing also. The bottle I had was 5 years 5 months and still Amazing.
Im getting into Ryes more now thanks to you. Started with baby Saz and picked up a Nobelman and Sagamore Dbl Oaked. Will keep my eye out for the 8 year. Cheers.
Best Rye I have ever had. I prefer this over The Senator, Alberta premium cask strength, JDSBBP Rye, etc. Haven't tried a handy yet, but I am excited to have Sag 8 Batch 2a as it has one of the best noses I have ever smelled, and the palate has an explosion of flavor. 9/10 for me. Only thing holding it back from perfection is the medium finish. If it had a longer finish, I would put this above WLW, GTS, JD12, KC18, as far as my favorite all time pours go.
Great review Jason I did my review of this last week and we completely agree. I compared it to the 2021 8yr and this release is better! As always Sagamore crushes the game
Thanks for the video, Jason. I don’t have any Sagamore in my collection yet, but I loved the Thomas H. Handy from 2022. That was a favorite for sure. We have been blinding Rye whiskey around my house lately. We poured some smoke wagon, rocket top, emerald giant, willett family estate, starlight, and rare breed. The one that keeps winning out for me is Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey. That one is so good. I’m ordering a couple of these Sagamore’s to see how they stack up.
Must. Resist. Urge. To. Buy. That versus with Thomas Handy could be cool for an old rye Bass off video, like with Sagamore, Belle, Handy, Michters or any other old ryes.
Good comments on this Rye. This is the problem I have some of the offerings with Sagamore Rye. The DW and I just drink thought them. Every time I finish one I feel remorse. I looked online here in So Cal and don't see it yet. But I'm sure we'll get it. Cheers.
I picked one up when I was in Texas around a year ago. I believe it was around 115 proof. It was good, the price was fair, and was a solid pour. I compared it to the Templeton 10 year and it was close to which I preferred. Great review
Love the Double Oak. Found a 2019 Port collecting dust on a shelf. Can't wait to try the 8. Sagamore is my first recommendation for someone to try a rye now.
Its very limited, but Lost Lantern recently released a 7 year Corbin Cash which is the best rye I’ve ever had (including all sagamores and JDSBBP from 2020)
I picked up one of those. Only had a few pours. Not very complex or layered, but the perfect picture of quintessential rye flavor. I think Stellum Black is much better, but time will tell as I work my way through both bottles. You gotta love a 7 year single barrel rye at 128 proof.
Damn!! I had one in my hands last Friday but chose to grab a Wilderness Trail BIB instead because it’s a much harder product to find in my area. I’ll definitely have to go back & pick one up.
Just bought this yesterday, and to my surprise it was Batch 1A, which I think is the 2021 batch. It was delicious. But I do hear great things about the newest batch. Interesting you get fig/raisin notes, because I totally got that from the Sagamore Sherry Finish.
I would endorse this review based on my experience with the first 8-year batch. I would suggest that consumers replace the cork though as I had issues a few months later with Sagamore’s loose cork. Unless of course you finish the bottle within a few months. Which you might likely do!
Very interested in this one. I'm not over the top about Sagamore but they do make a good product. Glad that this one isn't finished. I like to taste the spirit not hide it behind extra wood or weird wines. The age, proof point and MGP juice all point to yes. Sagamore is widely available around here, it sells but I can find it in many stores.
And I never understood a whiskey drinker who doesn’t appreciate the artistry behind finishing whiskey. The branching out and experimentation can have some bad results but that’s how the envelope is pushed and new things are discovered and innovated.
Michter's 10 year rye is the best whiskey I've ever had. I have the Sagamore 8 year too. I like the proof on Sagamore, but the Michter's is like candy to me.
One of my providers hopped me to Saga a year ago but slept on it. Do have their basic bottle but don't have be double barrel. Now I can't find a bottle in the Atl market.
FYI, my local Costco is hit or miss on whiskey choices, but this was on the shelf a few weeks ago for $69.99 and I picked one up. My pallet isn't well developed, but I love this rye.
What do the two-letter initials refer to on Sagamore bottles? This one says “By: MW” I’ve seen different bottles from the same barrel pick with different initials before…
I got last years 8yr reserve and honestly wasn’t my fav, very good but not mind blowing, I will have to revisit and see if I can pull some similar notes you got for this yr.
Love the review Jason. We don't see Sagamore here in KY. I did get a Hirsch high rye SiB today aged 8 yrs 9 months that's sourced from MGP instead of Willett. I'd love to send you a sample if you're interested.
Piss on me. Looks like just bought batch 1b. How in the world had Total Wine in West Palm Beach, FL still sitting on the last bottling of it. Oh well, I’m sure I’ll still love it.
I live in VA and have bought so many of these... Absolutely delicious. The last older Rye I found that I loved like this one was a Redemption 10 Year Barrel Proof. Love these sleeper MGP bottles
Thanks for posting the review! Do you think the complexity on the nose with the Sagamore has anything to do with recently opening it vs the Handy being open for a while?
You have the 2019 Thomas H. Handy. FWIW this was considered a pretty terrible batch of Handy. I have had some amazing rye, but a good year of THH is still hard to beat.
How dare you blaspheme against BTAC at the altar of whiskey tube?? Haha. Nice work. All of Sagamore products are fantastic, get ‘em before prices go up.
Are these rebarreled or do they stay the 8 years in the original MGP barrel and go straight into the bottle? I've really disliked the two Sagamore's I've had so far that were put in their own barrels, way too much funky molasses in a bad way imo.
It’s 10.00 a year. It’s fair at best. Needs to go back to 5.00 a year. Unfortunately, these “influencers” have trashed the market with “value” and suggested a 10.00 a year set “value”
I can’t stop singing the praises of Sagamore. Instead of a Double Bass blind contest, you should do a Drum-Off, four rye whiskeys in the blind, T H Handy, Michener’s Barrel Proof, Four Gate, and Sagamore. Let your palate be your guide.
I loved last year’s Sagamore 8. I can’t wait for this year’s.
That people pay $250+ for Michter’s 10 year rye blows my mind when you can have this. For all the reasons you mention. The density and concentration of flavor on the Saga 8 blow M10 away.
The Michers 10yr is the best rye and I say that as a huge Sagamore fan.
Sagamore Spirit's entire line is excellent. The Sherry finish is maybe my favorite of all whiskeys. Double Oak is outstanding as is the cask strength. Even their base Rye is quite good, especially considering it is lower proof. Going to have to pick up the 8 year.
Thanks for the great review!
I have a bottle of the 2021 release, I think it's fantastic. It sits up there next to Redemption 10yr Barrel Proof Rye and Templeton 10 year Rye. Those 3 would make an amazing Triple Bass. Love your content, keep it up.
I’m only an hour from the distillery, you have twisted my arm to make the trip. Can’t wait to try this
Sagamore is killing it. I have the DO, Sherry finish, and cask strength. They are all hitters. How does this compare vs the cask strength and store picks like Dusty Dans?
Good review. Old Ezra 7 straight rye at 114 proof might be a good alternative.
This might be the best rye I've ever had. I really liked batch 1A, but this is better. I was able to find it in my area for under $70. I like it better than the Michter's barrel strength limited release I paid $140 for last year.
Sagamore BiB is one of my favorites
Perks of living in Baltimore. Great store picks up here too, had a great 7 year store pick I just killed. Wish I saw you a couple months ago when you were here at the distillery. I was working all that weekend.
Wilderness Trail family reserve cask strength Rye barrel selects have a unique flavor profile that is amazing also. The bottle I had was 5 years 5 months and still Amazing.
Im getting into Ryes more now thanks to you. Started with baby Saz and picked up a Nobelman and Sagamore Dbl Oaked. Will keep my eye out for the 8 year. Cheers.
Bought this when I went to the distillery during my honeymoon the first week they had it on Nov 21. It is so good!
You ain’t never lied homie. I’m in DC. I have good access to this one. I just ordered a backup. Cheers ! 👊🏽🥃
Best Rye I have ever had. I prefer this over The Senator, Alberta premium cask strength, JDSBBP Rye, etc. Haven't tried a handy yet, but I am excited to have Sag 8 Batch 2a as it has one of the best noses I have ever smelled, and the palate has an explosion of flavor. 9/10 for me. Only thing holding it back from perfection is the medium finish. If it had a longer finish, I would put this above WLW, GTS, JD12, KC18, as far as my favorite all time pours go.
Great review Jason I did my review of this last week and we completely agree. I compared it to the 2021 8yr and this release is better! As always Sagamore crushes the game
Thanks for the video, Jason. I don’t have any Sagamore in my collection yet, but I loved the Thomas H. Handy from 2022. That was a favorite for sure. We have been blinding Rye whiskey around my house lately. We poured some smoke wagon, rocket top, emerald giant, willett family estate, starlight, and rare breed. The one that keeps winning out for me is Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey. That one is so good. I’m ordering a couple of these Sagamore’s to see how they stack up.
We picked up a bottle today! We love Pikesville but can't find it. Thank for the great review
I picked this up yesterday and it punched me in the face in a good way
Must. Resist. Urge. To. Buy. That versus with Thomas Handy could be cool for an old rye Bass off video, like with Sagamore, Belle, Handy, Michters or any other old ryes.
Good comments on this Rye. This is the problem I have some of the offerings with Sagamore Rye. The DW and I just drink thought them. Every time I finish one I feel remorse. I looked online here in So Cal and don't see it yet. But I'm sure we'll get it. Cheers.
Jason, please! 🤫 I’ve been trying to get another Sagamore 8-year since I finished my first one. Now it’s going to be nearly impossible.
Better than the 5yr or 6yr some say Sagamore BiB release due to age? both seem to have similar tasting notes
I picked one up when I was in Texas around a year ago. I believe it was around 115 proof. It was good, the price was fair, and was a solid pour. I compared it to the Templeton 10 year and it was close to which I preferred. Great review
This new 111.4 I think is an upgrade from the last release.
Love the Double Oak. Found a 2019 Port collecting dust on a shelf. Can't wait to try the 8. Sagamore is my first recommendation for someone to try a rye now.
I bought of batch 1 & 2 (from Bmore) 🥃
I absolutely love their sherry finished cask serries
Got this guy for $75! So pumped! Love Sagamore!
Sagamore never lasts long on my shelf. They are so good and so available, makes it a good daily drinker.
Its very limited, but Lost Lantern recently released a 7 year Corbin Cash which is the best rye I’ve ever had (including all sagamores and JDSBBP from 2020)
I picked up one of those. Only had a few pours. Not very complex or layered, but the perfect picture of quintessential rye flavor. I think Stellum Black is much better, but time will tell as I work my way through both bottles. You gotta love a 7 year single barrel rye at 128 proof.
How does this one compare to the batch 1?
I’ll love Sagamore! I recently got the double oak and was blown away and the cask strength…just wow. I would like to try all the Sagamores…😊
Just picked this up at Total Wine in FL. It has a proof of 115 and says 1b on it. Is this different from what you have?
I've tried their Cask Strength and really enjoy it. Keeping my eye out for the DO and Sherry, especially have your comments in this video!
Damn!! I had one in my hands last Friday but chose to grab a Wilderness Trail BIB instead because it’s a much harder product to find in my area. I’ll definitely have to go back & pick one up.
Wilderness Trail is always a good pickup though.
Just bought this yesterday, and to my surprise it was Batch 1A, which I think is the 2021 batch. It was delicious. But I do hear great things about the newest batch. Interesting you get fig/raisin notes, because I totally got that from the Sagamore Sherry Finish.
Great review and comparison because last year’s Handy was fantastic. Michter’s 10 is an incredible bottle too. Will pick this one up when I see it
What is the 2023 batch number?
I found the 8yr on a local shelf here in Illinois back on November 10th and got one. Haven't seen one since.
I was thinking similar with a blind barrel proof rye shootout!
Thanks Jason for bringing this review. The Redwood Empire- Emerald Giant is pretty solid also, although lower proof.
Grab the Cask Strength Emerald Giant. You'll love it!
I would endorse this review based on my experience with the first 8-year batch. I would suggest that consumers replace the cork though as I had issues a few months later with Sagamore’s loose cork. Unless of course you finish the bottle within a few months. Which you might likely do!
Thanks for the review on this one. I’ve been on the fence for a while but I think I’m gonna pick it up!
Very interested in this one. I'm not over the top about Sagamore but they do make a good product. Glad that this one isn't finished. I like to taste the spirit not hide it behind extra wood or weird wines. The age, proof point and MGP juice all point to yes. Sagamore is widely available around here, it sells but I can find it in many stores.
And I never understood a whiskey drinker who doesn’t appreciate the artistry behind finishing whiskey. The branching out and experimentation can have some bad results but that’s how the envelope is pushed and new things are discovered and innovated.
Great review, I’m really enjoying all my different Sagamore Ryes!
Man i have the one from last year and its ridiculous. Ill have to look out for this too
Michter's 10 year rye is the best whiskey I've ever had. I have the Sagamore 8 year too. I like the proof on Sagamore, but the Michter's is like candy to me.
The Michters is definitely candy
Driving past distillery this week need grab a bottle
Sure hope this one makes it to 🇨🇦! Thanks J!
One of my providers hopped me to Saga a year ago but slept on it. Do have their basic bottle but don't have be double barrel. Now I can't find a bottle in the Atl market.
Given the similarity in the blends, how does it compare with the OE7 rye from last year?
FYI, my local Costco is hit or miss on whiskey choices, but this was on the shelf a few weeks ago for $69.99 and I picked one up. My pallet isn't well developed, but I love this rye.
Wht costco?
@@roscoejenkins4221 Timnath CO
I HAVE to keep this in mind. I am drinking a Ohio state pick that's a 7 year right now. Sagamore is doing well.
Another solid video Jason
Gotta try this version
What do the two-letter initials refer to on Sagamore bottles? This one says “By: MW”
I’ve seen different bottles from the same barrel pick with different initials before…
Triple Bass with this Sagamore, Michters Barrel Strength, and Stellum Black?
I got last years 8yr reserve and honestly wasn’t my fav, very good but not mind blowing, I will have to revisit and see if I can pull some similar notes you got for this yr.
This is way better than last years.
What would you recommend for my first sagamore bottle? I am newer to rye but love high proof bourbon
8 year, Sherry Finish, Port finish if you live in Maryland.
Doesn't found north have a comparable rye? Or is Canadian so different eh?
Concerning bourbon and rye, what does straight really mean?
How can I tell if it's last year's or this year?
Love the review Jason. We don't see Sagamore here in KY. I did get a Hirsch high rye SiB today aged 8 yrs 9 months that's sourced from MGP instead of Willett. I'd love to send you a sample if you're interested.
Piss on me. Looks like just bought batch 1b. How in the world had Total Wine in West Palm Beach, FL still sitting on the last bottling of it. Oh well, I’m sure I’ll still love it.
This Sagamore 8 year is fantastic
I do love my bottle...
Great review, Jason! Always love complex yet approachable ryes and this sounds like one. Haven’t seen it yet but looks like an instant buy🥃
As always, great review! Brewers keep putting the hurting on your Mets
Omg. Brutal. Lol
Handy 22 over that 8! Both top shelf
Sagamore or one of the Maryland heritage ryes (just based on taste not price) would you prefer?
The Maryland ryes are a bit more straight forward rye profiles. If you like sweeter ryes...than the Sagamore is in your future. lol
What is the batch number?
What’s the batch on this? 1b or 2?
I live in VA and have bought so many of these... Absolutely delicious. The last older Rye I found that I loved like this one was a Redemption 10 Year Barrel Proof. Love these sleeper MGP bottles
If you could only buy one would you buy the 8 yr or sherry finished?
The 8
Thanks for posting the review! Do you think the complexity on the nose with the Sagamore has anything to do with recently opening it vs the Handy being open for a while?
It might. But I wanted to get a comparison.
@@TheMashandDrum hope to find a bottle for myself! Thanks again for posting the review, really enjoy your videos and analysis
Ok so if you had to choose between Sagamore 8yr or BBC's new Rye finished in cherry wood? Both are $80ish at least in my area.
Sagamore. Hands down
@@TheMashandDrum fun fact Caskers has it for $68.99.
Got a 22 Handy in a lottery. 130 proof and delicious 🥃
Senator would be a good alternative/comparison
Agreed. I had a 7 year store pick of the Senator that was very reminiscent of this pour.
Paused the video 3 minutes in and went to Spec's on line and bought a bottle.
You have the 2019 Thomas H. Handy. FWIW this was considered a pretty terrible batch of Handy. I have had some amazing rye, but a good year of THH is still hard to beat.
How’s it compare to the Hugh’s brothers 10yr Mand J pick?
Its way sweeter than the Hughes brothers.
Si, great content as always!
I feel like redemption rye is a comp, 10 yr cask strength MGP
Have to blind it now with Pikesville, michters, old forester BS and handy..
Well, I’m in 🙌
I thought the Sagamore Double Oaked may have been made by the Gods themselves, then I tried this. There are no words…🥃🔥
Is there a way to tell the difference between last years and this years?
The one I saw was 114.9 proof
Lol - answering my own questions. The 114.9 is the 2021 release according to their website
Yes..the 2023 is 111.4 proof
How dare you blaspheme against BTAC at the altar of whiskey tube?? Haha. Nice work. All of Sagamore products are fantastic, get ‘em before prices go up.
Seriously. I bought a backup for 2A, and I know where I can get another one and I'm thinking of getting it.
Are these rebarreled or do they stay the 8 years in the original MGP barrel and go straight into the bottle? I've really disliked the two Sagamore's I've had so far that were put in their own barrels, way too much funky molasses in a bad way imo.
WHERE IS ALL THE PIKESVILLE!?!?!?! Haven’t been able to find it in FOREVER!! 🤬😡😡😡🤬
Handy slaps Sagamore but budget is a factor for most. If not for price this comparison wouldn’t exist
Have you blinded both of these against the other? If not, it seems like you are only saying that because Handy is a buffalo trace product.
It’s 10.00 a year. It’s fair at best. Needs to go back to 5.00 a year. Unfortunately, these “influencers” have trashed the market with “value” and suggested a 10.00 a year set “value”
Testify my brother!
If you know, you know….
I thought Sagamore was distilling their own stuff?
They are but its not 8 yrs yet
@@LeatherDaddy97 ☝️☝️
I just bought a bottle for 65$ today.