Sagamore Barrel Select (Roc Elite COVID)

The nose is quite incredible, starting with fruity rye spice, charred oak, vanilla, molasses, leather, smoke, all presenting an incredible richness and fullness that to be honest was quite unexpected from this. It can be sometimes hard to have expectations when it comes from a 6-year American whiskey, however this is just remarkable. That is to say the nose is setting quite the stage. Hopefully the flavor can match. The palate is dry, yet rich and full, filling the mouth with intense baking spice, charred oak and rye spice. Spiciness is what this whiskey is all about and it doesn't in such an incredible way. You don't feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with how intense it is, rather you feel like these are all elements of flavor to explore and enjoy. After all, the flavor profile is actually quite simple. But that helps it be approachable in such an enjoyable and simplistic manner. It does settle down a bit as it breathes, but that burst of spice is still there, and is still a selling point. The finish is long and spicy, leaving the mouth tingling and full of rye spice and dark chocolate, as the mouth fades full of chart oak, vanilla and baking spices.