{"title":"Handy \u0026 Schiller","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"handy-schiller-manhattan-750ml","title":"Handy \u0026 Schiller Manhattan 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandy \u0026amp; Schiller Manhattan 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a barrel-rested, ready-to-drink Manhattan cocktail bottled at 35% ABV (70 proof) in a 750ml format. What distinguishes this expression is its direct connection to Buffalo Trace Distillery, where the blended cocktail rests in used Sazerac Rye barrels, allowing the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to marry and absorb additional barrel character before bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 35% (70 Proof)  |  Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky (Brand Heritage: New Orleans, Louisiana)  |  Style: Barrel-Rested Manhattan  |  Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Handy \u0026amp; Schiller name pays homage to the storied cocktail culture of 19th-century New Orleans. The Manhattan itself is composed of three core ingredients: Sazerac Rye Whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Peychaud's Bitters — the same bitters historically associated with the New Orleans Sazerac cocktail. After blending, the cocktail is rested inside used Sazerac Rye barrels at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, under the supervision of the Master Distiller. This barrel-resting period allows the components to integrate fully, with the residual rye character in the barrel staves contributing additional layers of spicy vanilla and oak to the finished product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark cherries lead, followed by toasted oak and a bright thread of orange peel. Underneath, caramel sweetness and baking spice round out the nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth and noticeably rich, with sweet vermouth and rye whiskey harmonizing immediately on the palate. At mid-palate, warmth from the rye builds alongside a measured bitterness from the Peychaud's. Ripe dark fruit sweetness balances the spice through the peak, creating the layered complexity expected from a well-made Manhattan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and warming, with dark chocolate and oak lingering well after the sip. Subtle spice and a trailing fruitiness leave a clean, satisfying close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Handy \u0026amp; Schiller Manhattan\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis barrel-rested Manhattan is designed to be poured straight from the bottle — serve it chilled or over a single large ice cube in a coupe or rocks glass with a brandied cherry garnish. Because the cocktail is already balanced and integrated, it requires no additional mixing. For variations, try these approaches:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect Manhattan twist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add a small measure of dry vermouth alongside the pour to shift the profile drier while preserving the barrel-aged depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManhattan Up:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stir the bottle-chilled liquid with ice briefly and strain into a chilled coupe for a colder, more concentrated serve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Manhattan riff:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add a barspoon of amaro (such as Averna) to a poured glass to deepen the herbal bitterness and complexity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a dinner party where bar-quality cocktails need to be served quickly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a cocktail enthusiast who appreciates classic American drinks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a home bar with a reliable, no-preparation-needed Manhattan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing a distinctive bottle to a gathering where mixing equipment is unavailable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Handy \u0026amp; Schiller Manhattan taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers a rich, well-integrated Manhattan profile with prominent dark cherry and sweet vermouth sweetness balanced by rye spice, Peychaud's Bitters bitterness, and an oak-driven finish with dark chocolate undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Handy \u0026amp; Schiller Manhattan compare to Jefferson's The Manhattan?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are barrel-finished, ready-to-drink Manhattans, but the Handy \u0026amp; Schiller version is specifically rested in Sazerac Rye barrels and uses Peychaud's Bitters, giving it a distinctly New Orleans character. Jefferson's The Manhattan leans into its bourbon-barrel finishing for a different wood influence and flavor emphasis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Handy \u0026amp; Schiller Manhattan good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at 35% ABV, it is designed to be enjoyed straight from the bottle, either neat or over ice, without any additional preparation or ingredients required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Handy \u0026amp; Schiller Manhattan made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The cocktail is blended and barrel-rested at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, though the brand itself draws its heritage from the historic cocktail culture of New Orleans, Louisiana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Handy \u0026amp; Schiller Manhattan?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged sharp cheddar complements the rye spice; charcuterie with cured salami echoes the savory-sweet interplay; dark chocolate truffles mirror the finish; pecan pie highlights the caramel and oak notes; and blue cheese with honey bridges the cocktail's bitterness and fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Handy \u0026amp; Schiller Manhattan come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Handy \u0026amp; Schiller Manhattan worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium ready-to-drink cocktail, and the use of Sazerac Rye, Peychaud's Bitters, and barrel-resting at Buffalo Trace provides a level of ingredient pedigree and production effort that justifies its place above mass-market bottled cocktails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Handy \u0026amp; Schiller Manhattan?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe defining advantage here is provenance: few ready-to-drink cocktails can claim barrel-resting at one of America's most celebrated distilleries using barrels from one of its most respected rye whiskeys. The use of Peychaud's Bitters — rather than the more common Angostura — ties this Manhattan to a specifically New Orleans cocktail tradition, giving it a flavor identity distinct from other bottled Manhattans on the market. At 70 proof, it carries enough weight to feel like a proper cocktail rather than a diluted convenience product. For anyone who values a classic Manhattan but does not always have the time or tools to build one from scratch, this bottle delivers genuine complexity with zero preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Handy \u0026 Schiller","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837915132073,"sku":"31148","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Handy-Schiller-Manhattan__98118.jpg?v=1730499999"},{"product_id":"handy-schiller-old-fashioned-750ml","title":"Handy \u0026 Schiller Old Fashioned 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandy \u0026amp; Schiller Old Fashioned 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a barrel-aged, pre-batched Old Fashioned cocktail bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) in a 750ml format. It earned 96 points and Best Barrel Aged RTD honors from the Beverage Tasting Institute in 2018, along with a Double Gold medal from The Fifty Best competition — credentials that place it at the top of the ready-to-drink cocktail category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 42% (84 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Style: Barrel-Aged Ready-to-Drink Old Fashioned  |  Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHandy \u0026amp; Schiller draws its name from the historical partnership between Chris Handy and George Schiller, revived under the Buffalo Trace Distillery umbrella in Frankfort, Kentucky. The cocktail is blended from Buffalo Trace Bourbon, classic Old Fashioned bitters, orange oil, and sugar, then aged as a complete mixture in freshly emptied Buffalo Trace barrels. This barrel-aging of the finished cocktail — rather than simply bottling whiskey with flavoring — allows the components to marry and pick up residual vanilla and oak character from the wood, producing a depth of flavor that distinguishes it from conventional RTD offerings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Orange zest rises first, followed by toasted sugar and light baking spice. A gentle wave of charred oak and vanilla anchors the nose as bourbon character emerges.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth and slightly sweet, moving into a rich mid-palate of caramel, clove, and citrus peel. Warm bourbon backbone carries through with balanced sweetness, never cloying, with the barrel aging lending a rounded, integrated quality to each sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length, the finish brings lingering vanilla and charred oak with a final note of creamy citrus fruit. The sweetness stays in check, closing cleanly with gentle spice and a whisper of bitter orange.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Handy \u0026amp; Schiller\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe chilled or over a single large ice cube to let the barrel-aged complexity open gradually; no additional mixing is required since this is a fully composed cocktail. For those who enjoy riffing on the formula, try these variations:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmoked Old Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pour over a smoked ice sphere — the barrel-aged base amplifies the smoky aromatics without fighting them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWisconsin-Style Old Fashioned:\u003c\/strong\u003e Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda and garnish with a cherry — the citrus oil already present in the blend keeps the drink balanced.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned Highball:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lengthen with cold sparkling water in a tall glass — the 84-proof strength holds up well to dilution while keeping the cocktail's flavor profile intact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting cocktail nights without the need for a fully stocked bar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates convenience without compromise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTailgating, camping, or outdoor gatherings where glassware and bitters are impractical\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to the Old Fashioned cocktail in its properly balanced form\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Handy \u0026amp; Schiller taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers rich bourbon warmth with caramel, clove, and citrus peel on the palate, finishing with lingering vanilla and charred oak. The overall impression is a well-balanced Old Fashioned with noticeable barrel influence and a creamy citrus close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Handy \u0026amp; Schiller compare to making an Old Fashioned with Knob Creek Rye?\u003c\/strong\u003e A homemade Old Fashioned built with Knob Creek Rye will lean spicier and drier, with the rye grain providing peppery bite, while Handy \u0026amp; Schiller uses Buffalo Trace Bourbon as its base, yielding a sweeter, rounder, more caramel-forward profile. The key difference is that Handy \u0026amp; Schiller's barrel aging integrates all cocktail components together, creating a cohesion that is difficult to replicate by simply stirring fresh ingredients over ice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Handy \u0026amp; Schiller good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at 42% ABV it drinks like a full-strength cocktail and is designed to be enjoyed straight from the bottle, chilled or over ice, without any additional preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Handy \u0026amp; Schiller made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. The cocktail is blended and barrel-aged on site using freshly emptied Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Handy \u0026amp; Schiller?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket or pulled pork highlights the bourbon's charred oak notes. Dark chocolate truffles complement the caramel and vanilla sweetness. Aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the citrus and spice. Pecan pie mirrors the toasted sugar and warm baking spice, and charcuterie with dried fruits bridges the cocktail's sweetness and oak character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Handy \u0026amp; Schiller come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering is the 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Handy \u0026amp; Schiller worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium RTD cocktail, priced above mass-market canned cocktails but competitive when measured against the cost of sourcing quality bourbon, bitters, and fresh citrus oil to build the drink from scratch. The 96-point BTI score and Double Gold medal reinforce its standing as a top-tier option in the barrel-aged RTD segment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Handy \u0026amp; Schiller?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this bottling from the crowded RTD market is a production method borrowed from craft bartending: aging the entire blended cocktail — bourbon, bitters, orange oil, and sugar — inside freshly emptied Buffalo Trace barrels. That step allows flavors to marry in wood rather than in a mixing glass, producing an integration that earned 96 points from the Beverage Tasting Institute and Double Gold at The Fifty Best competition. At 84 proof, it carries the full weight of a properly stirred Old Fashioned rather than the diluted character found in many lower-proof ready-to-drink options. For anyone who values a genuine cocktail experience without the prep, this barrel-aged blend delivers on the promise its awards suggest.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Handy \u0026 Schiller","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837915164841,"sku":"31149","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Handy-Schiller-Old-Fashioned__42645.jpg?v=1730500002"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/handy-schiller.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}