Sagamore Spirit has found an answer to the dilemma of choosing between whiskey or tequila: why not both? 

The award-winning distiller today announced the release of Sagamore Spirit Distiller’s Select Tequila Finish, its newest limited-edition rye whiskey that offers the best of both worlds. Sagamore Spirit Straight Rye Whiskey is aged in Extra Añejo tequila barrels for a unique melding of traditional flavors. 

“Melding a full-bodied rye whiskey with tequila may sound like a risky move, but our distilling team welcomes risks that can bring big rewards,” said Brian Treacy, Sagamore Spirit’s president.

Image Credit: Sagamore Spirit

“Like Maryland-style rye, tequila has a history that’s deeply rooted in a sense of place, so to us, this union made perfect sense. The end result perfectly captures what’s special about each spirit to give fans of both spirits something unexpected, seasonal, and full of flavor – just in time for warmer weather.”

Extra Anejo (Anejo means rested) requires tequila to be aged for at least three years in oak barrels. Akin to rye whiskey’s aging process, Extra Anejo tequila interacts with the barrel staves longer, resulting in some of the most complex and elegant tequilas in the world. 

When it came time to select barrels for Tequila Finish, Sagamore Spirit’s team of distillers sought out casks that had nurtured tequila and had aged both Anejo and Extra Anejo tequila for at least seven years.

The result of the marrying of rye and extra Anejo is a full-bodied yet approachable rye with flavorful notes of the tequila influence, with hints of agave, citrus, spice, warm oak, and vanilla on the nose, and even more agave, peppercorn, fig, and orange to taste. 

Bottled at a substantial 98 proof, Select Tequila Finish is a spirit meant to be sipped and savored.