With bourbon dominating the whiskey market and trendy single malts growing in popularity, few American whiskey makers prioritize rye. Not so with Sagamore Spirit. Not only does the Maryland-based distillery dedicate its entire catalog to rye whiskey, but it also offers dozens of expressions ranging from straightforward workhorses to innovatively cask-finished special editions. I’ve had the pleasure of previously tasting some of Sagamore Spirit’s core expressions. Today, I’m sharing my recent tasting of its Bottled in Bond and newly released 9-year-old bottlings.

Bottled in Bond

Like all whiskeys using the term “Bottled-in-Bond,” Sagamore adheres to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 with this expression. It is produced at a single distillery, aged seven years (3 more than the required 4 years), and bottled at 100 proof. The deep mahogany-colored liquid bursts with aromas of leather, wood varnish, chocolate-covered fruit, and a hint of tobacco. The palate packs a punch with classic but strong barrel notes of caramel and oak on top of more nuanced gingerbread, orange peel, and cinnamon notes. The finish is very warm and long, with a notably peppery spice.

This Bottled-in-Bond expression is a delectable pour, no doubt. Its traditional rye spice and malty sweetness balance offers a rich, full body with high viscosity. For a seemingly standard bottled-in-bond offering, this whiskey offers a burly and potent character with elegant subtleties.

9-Year

The Sagamore 9-Year-Old Rye is aged in freshly charred American oak for nine years and bottled at a sturdier 112.6 proof. Despite its elevated ABV, the whiskey offers a more approachable character than the 7-year-old Bottled-in-Bond. Its apple pie, peach, cracked pepper, and dark chocolate aromas make for a more decadent rye. Flavor notes of creamy vanilla and caramel mingle with a layer of cinnamon raisins and pecans.

Dark, dried fruit notes and toasted nuttiness combine with simplistically captured barrel notes, evolving into a warm, cozy, and classically dry conclusion. Like other Sagamore Spirit whiskeys, the higher proof mark belies what’s inside. This whiskey is, in fact, a more pleasant sipper—a sweet treat with complexity and perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

Of these two powerhouse ryes, I prefer the Reserve Series’ 9-Year-Old. While I happily enjoy “formidable” whiskeys, the 9-Year’s ability to carry a high proof while remaining lush and welcoming is a dynamic I will always lean towards.