Sagamore Spirit Distiller’s Select
“Manhattan Finish”
Straight Rye Finished in Vermouth, Bitters, and Cherry Brandy Barrels
Proof: 103
The bitters and Luxardo cherries are really just for show, because they aren’t needed with this Sagamore Spirit Manhattan Finish rye. This one really sparked my interest (and Nik’s also 🐕). I’m a huge fan of Manhattans, so I was eager to check this one out.
The folks at Sagamore Spirit took their 4 year old rye whiskey, and then aged it another 21 months in cherry brandy, vermouth and bitters barrels. Then, they “mingled” the whiskey from those separate barrels back together to make this finished spirit.
Let’s taste it:
🛏 Rested for 20 minutes in a Glencairn
Color: I rarely talk about the color, but this one is unique. It’s a deep amber.
👉🏻Nose: Sweet, baking spices, anise, cherries🍒, with a hint of maple syrup.
👉🏻Taste: The initial taste does remind me a bit of a Manhattan.
👉🏻Finish: Rye spices, some oak and char, develop rapidly. Towards the end, I get a grape wineyness (as opposed to whininess 🙄). The finish is moderately long, with a mild burn.
In conclusion
This is an interesting one. I certainly can tell that those Manhattan flavors are in there, but there are also still plenty of rye flavors coming through. I’m not sure where that wine flavor in the finish comes from? It must be from the cherry brandy barrels. What’s also interesting is how well Nik’s brindle snout matches that rock…but I digress. Stay safe! Cheers!🥃
Want to learn about another of Sagamore Spirit‘s finished ryes? Check out Nik’s review of the Sagamore Spirit Calvados Finish Rye.
