Recently we found ourselves in Baltimore, heading up to catch a football game, doing what we almost always do when we travel: popping into a local liquor store to see what’s different from home.

No shopping list.
No hunting unicorns.
Just looking for something local, something we hadn’t seen before.

That’s when this bottle caught our eye.

Sagamore Spirit Rye.

It wasn’t screaming for attention, but it didn’t need to. The bottle had that distinctly Baltimore feel — understated, confident, proud of where it’s from. It felt right for the moment. A local whiskey, in a local city, before a game.

And honestly, that’s kind of the whole point of the Tasting Room.

We’re not just here for hype bottles and allocated releases. We’re here to grab those random, regional, easy-to-overlook bottles, taste them honestly, and build their flavor profiles into The Bar Book so people can discover them with confidence later.

So we grabbed it.

And we’re glad we did.

Sagamore Spirit has quietly become one of the standard-bearers for modern Maryland rye. Their approach is thoughtful and deliberate — blending two distinct straight rye mash bills to create balance rather than brute force.

• A high-rye mash bill for spice (cinnamon, clove, pepper)
   
• A low-rye mash bill for sweetness (caramel, honey, citrus peel)
   
• Aged 4–6 years in high-char American oak
   
• Proofed with limestone-filtered water from their historic spring house
   

The result is a rye that doesn’t try to knock you over with spice, but also doesn’t fade into the background. It’s structured, balanced, and — most importantly — drinkable.

This is rye whiskey made for people who actually drink rye whiskey.

Right away, the nose sets the tone: balanced and inviting.

• Rye spice, but not sharp
   
• Orange peel and dark fruit (raisin, plum)
   
• Brown sugar and caramel
   
• A hint of mint lingering in the background
   

It smells rich without being heavy — a great first impression, especially if you’re coming from bourbon.

On the palate, Sagamore Spirit Rye really finds its stride.

• A smooth entry of simple syrup sweetness
   
• Caramel and brown sugar
   
• Dark fruit depth
   
• Classic rye spice building through the mid-palate
   
• Occasional flashes of citrus and mint
   

This is where Sagamore shines. The spice is present, but it’s layered, not aggressive. You get warmth and complexity without turning the sip into a spice endurance test.

Rich, dense, and slightly viscous.
It coats the palate nicely, which helps carry those sweet-and-spicy notes through the sip.

The finish is long and warming:

• Lingering rye spice
   
• White pepper
   
• Dry oak
   
• A touch of molasses-like sweetness
   

It sticks around just long enough to remind you why rye lovers keep coming back.

What impressed us most is how complete this whiskey feels for the price.

It’s not a one-note spice bomb.
It’s not overly sweet.
It doesn’t feel rushed or thin.

This is a rye that understands balance — and that makes it approachable for bourbon drinkers while still satisfying rye fans.

“This is one of those bottles you grab on a whim… and then immediately make a mental note to keep stocked.” — The Bar Book Tasting Team

This bottle earns its keep in a lot of situations:

Easy to pour, easy to enjoy, and approachable for a wide crowd.

If you love bourbon but want to dip a toe into rye, this is a fantastic bridge.

Sagamore shines in:

• Manhattans
   
• Old Fashioneds
   
• Sazeracs
   
• Boulevardiers
   

It has enough structure to stand up to bitters and vermouth without overpowering the drink.

At its price point, this is a bottle you won’t feel bad reaching for on a random Tuesday night.

Sagamore Spirit Rye is a great example of why The Bar Book exists.

We’re building the:

• Vivino for spirits — helping you understand flavor, not hype
   
• Spotify for alcohol — learning what you like and recommending more of it
   
• Match.com for the bar — pairing you with bottles that actually fit your taste
   

Using your Flavor Fingerprint™, you can see how Sagamore Spirit Rye lines up with your palate before you buy — especially helpful when you’re standing in a liquor store staring at a shelf full of unfamiliar bottles.

Explore it here:
👉 Sagamore Spirit Rye on The Bar Book

The Bar Book Tasting Room
Where Flavor Meets Story.
Tasted and Reviewed by The Bar Book Team.
https://thebarbook.app

If you’d like us to spotlight your brand for FREE, reach out.
We’re always looking to explore new bottles, build flavor profiles, and help drinkers discover something they’ll actually love — at no cost.