Jefferson The Manhattan Cocktail not Whisky 34%

A ready-made Manhattan, developed with Esquire and barrel-finished a second time after blending.

Expert description

Jefferson's The Manhattan Barrel Finished Cocktail is a pre-mixed cocktail, bottled at 34%, developed by Jefferson's in collaboration with Esquire magazine and then editor-in-chief David Granger. The cocktail is built on Jefferson's 6-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, originally distilled to 125 proof and reduced to 82 proof, before being blended with sweet and dry vermouth in a 'Perfect Manhattan' style, along with barrel-aged spiced cherry bitters. After blending, the cocktail is aged a further roughly 4 months in used bourbon casks before bottling at 68 proof — a process that gives it a deeper, more integrated character than a freshly mixed Manhattan.

Tasting notes

Nose

The nose offers Madeira, vanilla and a hint of spice.

Palate

The palate is complex with bitter herbs, vermouth and citrus.

Finish

The finish is medium-length, dry and spicy.

Specifications

Name: Jefferson The Manhattan Cocktail not Whisky
Bottler: Jefferson's
Region/Country: Kentucky, USA
Type: Pre-mixed cocktail (Bourbon, vermouth, bitters)
ABV: 34%
Size: 70 CL

Flavour profile

Spicy · Dry · Complex · Herbal

Did you know?

The cocktail was developed in collaboration with Esquire magazine, and the extra barrel-ageing after blending is a technique normally used for whisky, applied here to a pre-mixed cocktail to give it more depth.

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Frequently asked questions about Jefferson The Manhattan Cocktail not Whisky

Is this a whisky?

No, it's a pre-mixed Manhattan cocktail based on Jefferson's bourbon, vermouth and cherry bitters — not a pure whisky.

What does 'Barrel Finished' on the label mean?

After the cocktail is blended, it's aged a further roughly 4 months in used bourbon casks, giving it a deeper, more integrated flavour than a freshly mixed Manhattan.

How is Jefferson The Manhattan Cocktail not Whisky best served?

Cold, ideally in a chilled cocktail glass, perhaps with an orange twist or a cocktail cherry as garnish.

How should Jefferson The Manhattan Cocktail not Whisky 34% be stored?

Standing upright, cool and dark, like any other spirits bottle. Once opened, the contents keep best if enjoyed within a year or so.

Is Jefferson The Manhattan Cocktail not Whisky 34% a good gift idea?

Yes, Jefferson The Manhattan Cocktail not Whisky 34% is a natural choice for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and characterful flavour experiences — especially for the whisky enthusiast keen to explore beyond the most familiar names.

What characterises the Kentucky style?

Kentucky is known for a corn-forward, sweet bourbon style with caramel and vanilla from new, charred oak barrels.