Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye 750ML

Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye 750ML is a Maryland straight rye whiskey bottled at 48.3% ABV (96.6 proof) and finished for 18 months in toasted wave stave barrels. This expression earned 96 points from Tasting Panel Magazine and a Double Gold at the 2018 Wine & Spirits Wholesaler of America Competition, cementing its reputation as one of the most acclaimed double-oaked ryes on the American market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 48.3%  |  Origin: Baltimore, Maryland, USA  |  Aged 4–5 Years + 18-Month Second Barrel Finish  |  Distillery: Sagamore Distillery

Production & Heritage

Sagamore Distillery operates out of Baltimore, Maryland, and draws its process water from a natural limestone spring on Sagamore Farm, the historic property once owned by the Vanderbilt family. The Double Oak expression begins as a blend of two distinct rye mash bills — one at 95% rye with 5% malted barley, and a second at 52% rye, 43% corn, and 5% malted barley. After an initial maturation of four to five years in high-char new American oak barrels, the whiskey is transferred into custom toasted wave stave barrels — low-char, medium-plus-toast vessels with wavy interior staves that increase the surface area of wood contact. This second maturation lasts a full 18 months, considerably longer than the secondary aging found in most double-oaked American whiskeys, allowing for deeper extraction of vanilla, caramel, and toasted wood character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Caramel and dark vanilla lead the nose, followed by brown sugar, cinnamon butter, and a thread of oily orange peel. Underneath, there is a subtle grain sweetness that keeps the aromatics balanced rather than purely dessert-driven.

Taste: The entry is smooth and caramel-rich, with toasted coconut arriving quickly on the mid-palate alongside nutty flavors of hazelnut and pecan. As the whiskey opens up, darker tones of chocolate praline and baking spice emerge, accented by a crack of black pepper and creamy ground almond. The dual mash bill blend gives this rye a layered quality — spicy grain from the high-rye recipe tempered by the rounder, corn-forward sweetness of the second.

Finish: Medium-long and textured, with lingering notes of apple crumble, cinnamon, and dark chocolate that slowly taper into warm oak and dried fruit. The toasted wave stave influence is most apparent here, leaving a creamy, slightly tannic close.

How to Drink Double Oak Rye

At 96.6 proof, this rye has enough structure to drink neat while still revealing new layers with a few drops of water or a single large ice cube. It also excels in cocktails that benefit from a richer, more oak-forward whiskey base.

• Manhattan: The caramel and dark chocolate depth pairs seamlessly with sweet vermouth, producing a richer variation on the classic.
• Old Fashioned: The toasted coconut and vanilla notes reduce the need for heavy sweetening, letting the whiskey's natural character dominate.
• Vieux Carré: The spice backbone and creamy finish stand up to the cocktail's combination of cognac, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine without being overwhelmed.

Best For

• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates innovative barrel-finishing techniques
• Side-by-side tastings comparing double-oaked and single-barrel rye expressions
• Anchoring a home cocktail night focused on stirred, spirit-forward drinks
• Introducing bourbon drinkers to rye whiskey through a sweeter, oak-driven profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sagamore Double Oak Rye taste like? It leads with rich caramel, toasted coconut, and vanilla, then moves into hazelnut, dark chocolate praline, and baking spice with a peppery edge. The finish is creamy and medium-long with cinnamon and dried fruit.

How does Sagamore Double Oak Rye compare to Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish Rye? Both undergo a secondary maturation in toasted barrels, but Sagamore's 18-month wave stave finish yields a more delicate and nuanced profile, while Michter's tends toward a bolder, more intensely spiced character. Sagamore also blends two separate rye mash bills, giving it a wider flavor spectrum than Michter's single mash bill approach.

Is Sagamore Double Oak Rye good for sipping neat? Yes — the 48.3% ABV provides enough intensity to carry complex flavors without excessive heat, and the extended toasted-barrel finish contributes a smooth, creamy texture well suited to neat drinking.

Where is Sagamore Double Oak Rye made? It is produced at Sagamore Distillery in Baltimore, Maryland, using limestone-filtered spring water sourced from the historic Sagamore Farm property in the Maryland countryside.

What foods pair well with Sagamore Double Oak Rye? Dark chocolate truffles complement the whiskey's cocoa and vanilla notes. Pecan pie echoes its nutty, caramel-forward palate. Smoked pork belly or barbecue ribs balance the sweetness with savory fat. Aged Gouda highlights the toasted oak and brown sugar qualities. Apple tart or crumble mirrors the baking spice and dried fruit on the finish.

What sizes does Sagamore Double Oak Rye come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely distributed size for this expression.

Is Sagamore Double Oak Rye worth the price? It positions as a premium American rye, and its 96-point score from Tasting Panel Magazine, extended 18-month second-barrel finish, and dual mash bill complexity give it strong value relative to other double-oaked ryes in a similar price tier.

Why Double Oak Rye?

The defining feature of this expression is the wave stave barrel — a custom-built vessel whose wavy interior staves expose the whiskey to significantly more wood surface area than a conventional barrel, resulting in accelerated and more complex extraction during the 18-month finishing period. That technical commitment, combined with the blending of a high-rye (95%) and a lower-rye (52%) mash bill, produces a whiskey that balances bold spice with approachable sweetness in a way few competitors replicate. The 96-point rating from Tasting Panel Magazine and Double Gold medals at major competitions confirm that this is not merely an experimental release but a refined, consistently excellent product. For drinkers who want a rye that pushes beyond standard barrel aging without venturing into flavored or cask-strength territory, Sagamore's Double Oak stands as one of the category's most compelling options.