Distillery: Sagamore Spirit – Baltimore, Maryland
Proof: 96.6 (48.3% ABV)
Age: 4-5 Years + 18 months secondary aging
Mashbill: Blend of two: one high rye and one low rye
MSRP: $59
A Deeper, Sweeter Take on Maryland Rye
Sagamore Spirit’s Maryland-style rye leans toward approachability; the Double Oak expression turns up the richness through secondary aging in something they call “toasted wave stave” barrels. After an initial 4 to 5 years in standard charred oak, the whiskey is transferred for an additional 18 months of maturation.
The “wave stave” design refers to barrel staves that are cut with a series of grooves or waves, increasing the surface area exposure to the rye whiskey. This additional aging and use of the wave staves is an aim to showcase how add a second barrel finishing that will amplify flavors without losing the rye’s original structure.
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4.5/5
Maple syrup. Toasted oak. Cinnamon. Faint orange peel.
Strengths: Deeply expressive and enough sweetness to create significant satisfaction even among non-Rye drinkers. The toasted oak and maple notes play off each other.
Why It’s Not Higher: Slight ethanol prickle on first pour; a few minutes in the glass evens it out.
Rating Justification: Layered. A surprising level of warmth given the moderate proof point.
Palate – 4.7/5
Charred oak. Butterscotch. Roasted pecan. Baking spice that builds gradually. Hints of dark chocolate.
Strengths: A remarkably rich mouthfeel with a sweet-spice synergy. The oak notes are front & center but don’t overwhelm the rye characteristics.
Why It’s Not Higher: A touch of syrupy in the mid-Palate edges slightly toward sweetness overload. I suspect a little higher proof would elevate the sweet-spice balance.
Rating Justification: Superb toasted barrel influence—bold and faithful to Sagamore’s rye core.
Finish – 4.5/5
Nutmeg. Cocoa nib. Oak tannin. Soft vanilla.
Strengths: Long Finish. Secondary wood influence shows up beautifully.
Why It’s Not Higher: Sweetness tends to linger longer than the spice which causes the intensity of the Finish to taper off sooner than expected.
Rating Justification: Favors richness over complexity.
Value – 4.6/5
At $59, this rye offers remarkable return on investment. The secondary maturation has clearly enhanced the whiskey’s depth. For enthusiasts who appreciate sweet oak complexity and refined spice at an accessible price, this bottle earns “best in its class”.
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict
Sagamore Spirit’s Double Oak Rye is a textbook on the effects of secondary aging. The secondary aging adds depth and a “luxury” feel to the whiskey creating a whiskey that feels more mature than its age statement. A Platinum-worthy pour that stands out among Sagamore’s expressions. Shop now.
Verdict – 4.6/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.