Sagamore Spirit Distiller's Select Manhattan Finish Rye

Manhattan in a bottle

I don’t think I’ve ever had a real Manhattan...and by that, let me explain: I’ve had a pseudo-Manahattan made with the alcohol free Ritual whiskey, along with some grape juice, a few drops of bitters, and a spoon of sugar free agave syrup. So...yeah. Not a real Manhattan. Based on that, I shouldn’t judge of this is anything like a Manhattan or not. But, what I can say is that if offered blind, I’d not have guessed this was a rye. It’s more like a cocktail. It’s sweet, like ripe Michigan dark cherries, with some oranges and oak. The rye takes a back seat to the cherries. I don’t understand this. If a person wants to have a Manhattan, simply buy a low cost rye and the other components. This offers a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. It’s okay and a decent pour, but not sure I see the purpose of its existence...

too much vermouth. yuck

NOSE: Vermouth, cocktail cherries, copper, spice, leather, sugar and a touch of oak. Just so overwhelmingly sweet. It smells like a pre-made cocktail, as good, high quality, pre-made cocktail, but a cocktail nonetheless. PALATE: Vermouth, cocktail cherries, copper, spice, orange peels, angostura, leather, sugar and a touch of oak. If you handed me a glass of this Sagamore Reserve Manhattan Finish on ice and told me you’d whipped up a cocktail I wouldn’t question you for a second. FINISH: Med -> Sticky sweet with some bits of oak, bitters and orange peel.

Whiskey Club Tastes like a Manhattan cocktail, straight up. Signature rye whiskey finished in butters, cherry, and brandy barrels Clever but feels slightly gimmicky. Might be perfect with cherry and garnish - a Manhattan with higher abc

Herbaceous and black cherry on the palate. Certainly taste the bitters and cherry brandy barrels. A sweet cherry bomb on the finish.