Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye Vs. Sagamore Cask Strength Rye
I’ve been looking forward to reviewing this excellent bottle of Michter’s BP Rye, and I found the perfect opponent in the Sagamore option. These are both in the $70-80 price range, both with no age statement.
Sagamore) 112.2proof. This is an MGP sourced product, It is a blend of two straight rye whiskeys, one with a high rye, and one with a lower rye mash bill to mimic classic "Maryland-style" rye.
-The Nose is full, and explodes with rye bread, caramel, cinnamon, pear, and a slight musty funk.
-The Palate starts with a pleasant, slightly oily mouthfeel with flavors of caramel covered apples, followed by rye spice, vanilla, and a little cinnamon.
-The Finish is medium-long, and more spicy, along with some darker fruits, burnt sugar, and lingering oak.
Overall I really like this bottle. It has some unique and interesting flavors combined with a powerful but still easy-drinking proof. Great blending going on here!
Michter’s) 108.6proof. This is the BP version of Michter’s Single Barrel Rye.
-The Nose is significantly lighter, and more fruity and spicy. There are apples, pears, along with hot cinnamon, allspice, cedar, and pine, plus a hint of mint.
-The Palate is also a little oily, and full of flavor. It follows the nose nicely with initial caramel sweetness that moves into spicy cinnamon, clove, allspice, cedar, pine, and mint. As you “chew”, some vanilla, oak, and apple make an appearance.
-The Finish is medium-long, with black-pepper spice, a little banana, and lingering vanilla and oak.
Overall I am very impressed with this bottle. It’s in a different league than the standard Michter’s Rye. You have to like spicy, complex flavors to love this one.
VERDICT) This is a tough one! These are both great bottles, and I can highly recommend picking up either one if you see it for retail prices. However, I have to pick a winner, and the more complex, spicy flavors of the Michter’s just really agree with my palate. Fancy Glencairn squeaks out a win in a nearly photo-finish!