High West Distillery announces the launch of its first nationally available bottled whiskey cocktails with the release of a Barrel-Finished Manhattan and Barrel-Finished Old Fashioned. These new offerings are part of the distillery’s renewed focus on the premium pre-batched cocktail category, offering an exciting new sip for cocktail enthusiasts and whiskey fans alike.
Conceptualized by High West’s Master Distiller Brendan Coyle and Beverage Director Steve Walton, each barrel-finished cocktail is formulated using time-tested recipes and high-quality ingredients. Utilizing a blend of bourbon and rye for added complexity, the cocktails are masterfully crafted then matured in used rye barrels, allowing the flavors to marry for a rich, smooth and well-rounded final result.
“Our goal was to embody the essence of these classic cocktails while incorporating our distinct High West flare. With a blend of bourbon and rye as the base, each has a unique added depth that sets them apart from other bottled cocktails,” shares Coyle. “We are proud to introduce them to both whiskey fans and cocktail lovers.”
Each bottling comprises a harmonious blend of bourbon, rye and aromatic bitters, with the Barrel-Finished Old Fashioned (43% ABV, 86 Proof) featuring demerara simple syrup for a touch of sweetness while the Barrel-Finished Manhattan (37% ABV, 74 Proof) includes two types of vermouth. Both best enjoyed over ice, garnish the Old-Fashioned with a lemon and orange twist and the Manhattan with a brandied cherry.
“Our bar program has been the proving ground for these cocktail recipes. We experimented with and served variations on these cocktails from behind the bar for years, ultimately resulting in these final recipes. We developed them to be complex yet balanced, and they can be enjoyed on their own or when paired with food,” says Walton.
Having previously released versions of a Barrel-Finished Boulevardier and Manhattan, High West is already a leading brand in the premium pre-batched cocktail segment. Widely recognized for their excellence in whiskey blending and award-winning mixology programs at their Utah locations, High West’s new barrel-finished Manhattan and Old Fashioned cocktails combine both of these High West specialties, offering a premier cocktail experience.
High West barrel-finished cocktails are available for a suggested retail price of $49.99 per 750mL bottle—serving approximately 12 cocktails—and $29.99 per 375ml bottle, which serves six cocktails. The collection is currently available at select retail locations nationwide and will be available online at highwest.com this fall.