Batch: 1A Bottle: 314 51.5% abv Being a true enjoyer of Manhattans (pretty much a weekly Sunday cocktail), I had to try this when I saw it while visiting the distillery while spending time in Baltimore. I have slowly become intrigued and become an appreciator of their brand. The Port finish was quite outstanding. Their newer finishes and experimentation is intriguing and a nice differentiator. There is a subtle sweetness to the nose of sweet vermouth that almost comes. As it continues to open, vanilla cream with maraschino cherries, honeydew, dill, cinnamon, cloves, wood char, leather and fresh cigar tobacco. There is a fair amount of heat packed by a 51.5% abv. The vermouth comes through quite distinctly. Angostura bitters (from mind over matter?) orange peel, Demerara sugar, white pepper, cloves. Wood char and oak tannins finish the pour. Hints of orange zest bitterness. Vanilla arises at the far finish all which lasts for a medium length of time. Over an ice cube, this formalizes into a chilled rye m Manhattan. The edginess is smoothed and the sweetness is enhanced. Not overblown and balances better with the spiciness. The finish is not as drying or as bitter. Overall, much improved with some ice. But just one or two cubes. I am a fan of Sagamore Spirit being a semi-resident to Maryland/Baltimore for the past eight years. I like what they are doing experimenting with different types finishes (Cognac, tequila, etc). This sips more of a cocktail than a standard rye. If you appreciate rye Manhattans you should enjoy this pour. Would I continually pay $70+ dollars for a Manhattan? No. Packed with a punch of aromas and flavors of an unabashedly Manhattan, this is a nice treat. [88/100][Tasted: 7/23/21]