Jefferson's Manhattan Barrel Finished Cocktail
Jefferson's Manhattan Barrel Finished Cocktail is a 750mL ready-to-serve Manhattan bottled at 68 proof (34% ABV) by Jefferson's in Kentucky — Jefferson's Reserve bourbon mixed with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth and barrel-aged spiced black cherry bitters, then barrel-finished as a complete cocktail in a used bourbon barrel. Open, pour, chill and serve: the barrel work is already done. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 34% (68 proof, bottled)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Ready-to-serve barrel-finished Manhattan cocktail
- Composition: Jefferson's bourbon, sweet and dry vermouth, barrel-aged spiced black cherry bitters
- Finish: Rested in a used bourbon barrel after mixing (duration stated inconsistently in brand copy — none printed)
- Serve: Chilled, over ice, with a cherry
- Origin: Kentucky
The Manhattan That Aged as a Cocktail
The idea started with a barrel-aged Manhattan that Jefferson's founder Trey Zoeller shared with David Granger, then Editor-in-Chief of Esquire — the two spent about two and a half years developing recipes together, narrowing dozens of builds down to three finalists that were aged in bourbon barrels before one was selected. In the winning build, fully matured bourbon is cut, mixed with the vermouths and spiced black cherry bitters, and then — the twist — the finished cocktail itself goes back into a used bourbon barrel to marry and soften in the wood. Browse the brand on the Jefferson's vendor page or explore our bourbon whiskey collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the producer's current product page: dark cherries, candied fruit, nutmeg and dried cranberry on the nose; brown sugar, cherry pie and allspice on the palate; and a refined finish of spice and sweetness with herbal undertones from the bitters and the barrel ageing.
How to Enjoy
Chill the bottle, pour over ice in a rocks glass (or up, from the freezer), and garnish with a cherry — no shaker, no second bottle, no measuring. More Jefferson's expressions are on the Jefferson's vendor page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a bourbon or a cocktail?
It is a bottled, ready-to-serve Manhattan cocktail built on Jefferson's bourbon — bourbon, sweet and dry vermouth and barrel-aged spiced black cherry bitters, barrel-finished together and bottled at 68 proof. Nothing needs to be added except ice and a cherry.
Why do some sources say 82 proof?
82.3 proof (rounded to 82 in some copy) was the strength of the bourbon component after it was cut from 125 proof, before mixing — a production stage, not the bottle. The bottled cocktail is 68 proof (34% ABV).
How should Jefferson's Manhattan be served?
Chilled — pour it over ice or serve it up straight from the fridge or freezer, garnished with a cherry.
A barrel-finished Manhattan, ready when you are — order Jefferson's Manhattan online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.