PBMichiganWolverine
Sagamore Spirit Distiller's Select Manhattan Finish Rye
Rye — USA
Reviewed
May 27, 2021 (edited July 28, 2021)
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...
60.0
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Bottle
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@ContemplativeFox agreed about making my own Manhattan. It’s better and cheaper. But, yes, I did enjoy this. I like what Sagamore is doing with different finishes.
@Scott_E Aside from the cloying finish, I also found this one to be a decently enjoyable sipper - but I'd have kind of rather just made an actual manhattan (I said with Pikesville, so pretty much the same as your Rittenhouse :) ).
My experience with this was eerily similar - to the point that I also landed on the description of it as a 'pseudo-cocktail'.
@ctbeck11 will do. I do like the spiciness. I use Rittenhouse for the price and punch since I usually have them as my Sunday cocktail.
@Scott_E Honestly, it’s one I’d probably buy on a whim, just for the uniqueness. If you have the chance (and maybe you already have and don’t like it), try swapping a ‘high rye’ rye like New Riff or WhistlePig in for the Rittenhouse. I really enjoy how the spiciness of the rye complements the sweet vermouth.
@ctbeck11 My Manhattan is same, except I use Rittenhouse. The Carpano is perfect for the rye. As far as Sagamore, this, imo, was more of experimenting with cask finishing and not to replace the Manahattan. Its an iced sipper more than a cocktail. I enjoyed it. Worthy of a try. I suspect this is one of those polarizing bottlings. Like it or hate it. No middle of the road.
I’ll stick with my personal Manhattan of choice. New Riff Rye, Carpano Antica, Angostura, Luxardo cherry. But this sounds interesting. Generally, I feel that Sagamore products are priced higher than they should be, so I haven’t ventured too far into their offerings.
Interesting...not compelled to try this one, but an ABV of 51.5% makes for a heavy duty "pseudo-cocktail".
@Scott_E yeah, we all have that soft spot for some of these brands. Mine is Westland ( had a private tour), and Cotswold ( vacation in England )
Lol. I liked this one. Is it the best Manhattan? No. A Rittenhouse classic Manhattan is better. Agreed. Maybe I have a soft spot for Sagamore, since the last 8 years of my time has been in and out of Maryland.