Sagamore Spirt Manhattan Finished Rye Whiskey Review

BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Not specified, though Sagamore blends its whiskey with that sourced from MGP.
• MASH BILL: Not specified.
• AGE: 4 years
• YEAR: 2023
• PROOF: 103 (51.5% AVB)
• MSRP: $79.99
• BUY ONLINE: Sagamore Spirit Online Shop

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any whiskey cocktail lover, especially those partial to a Manhattan.

WORTH THE PRICE: Yes

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle

OVERALL: There are way too many gimmick RTD cocktails on the market, some masquerading as Manhattans. Despite not caring to try them, some were sent to me anyway, and each was quickly abandoned. They were overly bitter, or the vermouth chosen was just awful. Given my appreciation of Sagamore Spirit's fantastic rye whiskeys, I agreed to accept the sample and couldn't be happier with the product.

This finished whiskey is ready to pour into a nosing glass and go. A cube of ice wouldn't hurt, either. It's really good, balanced and delicious. The fact that the bitters and sweet vermouth flavors are so well-defined is surely tied to Sagamore's decision to age its rye whiskey for 20 months in barrels that previously held bitters and vermouth. Once completed, those barrels were dumped and blended.

If you're expecting a ready-to-drink Manhattan, it's not quite that. Wondering if it might be, I fridge-chilled it, poured it into a chilled glass and garnished it with an expressed orange peel. One sip told me it still needed actual vermouth and, in my case, some Averna (or any similar amaro) to make it a nearly black Manhattan. To my palate, the bitters influence was already established. Remember, it's still potent at 103 proof, well above the proof of any Manhattan you'd find at a bar, so it can use some softening as a cocktail.

I know $79 is not cheap, but this is something unique and worth a splurge.

BRAND NOTES

Bottled at a substantial 103 proof, the 2024 release deconstructs the flavors of a Manhattan cocktail, finishing 4-year-old straight rye whiskey in separate vermouth, bitters, and cherry brandy barrels for a minimum of 20 months for a unique finish with pronounced traits of a Manhattan cocktail. The result is a full-bodied whiskey rich in spice, herbaceous notes, bright cherry, vanilla, honey, and a touch of dryness at the finish that keeps the full-bodied character of Sagamore Spirit’s Maryland rye wholly intact. Sagamore Manhattan Finish pairs perfectly with amaro, bitters, and Sagamore’s whiskey cherries for a rye-forward Black Manhattan cocktail, or it can be savored on its own.

“The original idea for Manhattan Finish back in 2020 challenged us to fully deconstruct the flavors of a Manhattan to create a full-proof whiskey that leaves you with a parting kiss of the cocktail,” said Ryan Norwood, VP of operations at Sagamore Spirit. “Manhattans have become even more popular since then, so we knew it was time to bring back this delicious, limited-edition rye expression.” 

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.