High West Classics from The West 2Pk 375ML is a two-bottle gift set featuring a barrel-aged Old Fashioned (43% ABV) and a barrel-aged Manhattan (37% ABV), each in 375ml bottles. Produced by High West Distillery — named Whisky Advocate's Distiller of the Year in 2016 — both cocktails spend three months maturing in second-use rye whiskey oak barrels, resulting in deeply integrated, ready-to-serve drinks that go well beyond typical bottled cocktails.Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (Old Fashioned) / 37% (Manhattan) | Origin: Utah, USA | Style: Barrel-Aged Ready-to-Drink Cocktails | Distillery: High West DistilleryProduction & HeritageHigh West Distillery, based in Park City, Utah, has built a reputation for expert blending since its founding, earning broad critical recognition including Whisky Advocate's 2016 Distiller of the Year distinction. Both cocktails in this set rely on MGP-sourced straight bourbon whiskey with a 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% barley malt mashbill. The Manhattan adds a layer of complexity by incorporating MGP straight rye whiskey (95% rye, 5% barley malt) alongside the bourbon. After blending with their respective cocktail ingredients, each expression matures for three months in second-use rye whiskey oak barrels, allowing the spirits, bitters, and aromatics to marry fully rather than simply being mixed together.Tasting NotesOld Fashioned — Aroma: Cassia bark and licorice root rise first, followed by eucalyptus, orange spice tea, and a subtle sandalwood warmth. The nose reads like a well-stocked spice cabinet with a citrus backbone.Old Fashioned — Taste: Bright orange zest leads the entry, transitioning to dried cherry and sassafras at the mid-palate. Allspice builds steadily, with a rich orange-cinnamon bun sweetness emerging at the peak.Old Fashioned — Finish: Medium-length with black pepper heat, cola-like sweetness, and lingering cinnamon. The barrel aging rounds everything into a seamless close.Manhattan — Aroma: Black cherry fruit leather and stewed strawberries dominate the opening, joined by orange peel, molasses, cinnamon bark, and a savory hint of sage. The nose is darker and more fruit-forward than its Old Fashioned counterpart.Manhattan — Taste: Cherry turnover and spiced apple emerge on the palate, layered with sun-dried raisins, candied orange rind, and a rosemary-inflected savory spice. The rye whiskey component adds a firm backbone of grain and pepper.Manhattan — Finish: Long and layered, closing with orange pastry, dark chocolate, and dried fig. A bittersweet complexity lingers well after the last sip.How to Drink Classics from The WestBoth cocktails are designed to be poured straight from the bottle over a single large ice cube or served chilled neat — no additional mixing required. The Old Fashioned benefits from a fresh orange peel expressed over the glass, while the Manhattan pairs naturally with a brandied cherry garnish. For those who want to experiment, the Old Fashioned can serve as a base for a Smoked Old Fashioned by adding a brief smoke infusion for extra depth. The Manhattan can be lengthened into a Manhattan Spritz with a splash of sparkling wine and an orange twist. Either cocktail can be stirred down slightly with a barspoon of amarena cherry syrup for a richer, dessert-leaning variation.Best For Gifting a cocktail enthusiast who appreciates barrel-aged complexity Holiday entertaining where a quality cocktail needs to be served quickly without a full bar setup Introducing someone to barrel-aged ready-to-drink cocktails from a respected distillery Side-by-side tasting to compare how bourbon and rye express themselves in classic cocktail formats Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does the High West Old Fashioned taste like? The Old Fashioned leads with bright orange zest and dried cherry, moving into warm allspice and cinnamon, with a peppery cola-like finish shaped by three months of barrel aging.What does the High West Manhattan taste like? The Manhattan is fruit-forward with black cherry, spiced apple, and candied orange, finishing long with dark chocolate and dried fig notes from its bourbon-rye blend.How does this set compare to standard bottled cocktails? Unlike most shelf-stable premixed cocktails that simply combine spirits and mixers, both High West expressions undergo a full three-month barrel-aging period in second-use rye whiskey oak, producing a level of integration and complexity uncommon in the ready-to-drink category.Is this set good for gifting? The two-bottle format with distinct cocktail styles makes it an excellent gift for whiskey and cocktail drinkers alike, allowing the recipient to compare a bourbon-driven Old Fashioned against a bourbon-rye Manhattan from the same distillery.Where is Classics from The West made? Both cocktails are produced by High West Distillery in Park City, Utah, using MGP-sourced bourbon and rye whiskeys blended and barrel-aged at High West's facilities.What foods pair well with Classics from The West? The Old Fashioned pairs well with smoked brisket (its spice and citrus cut through the fat), dark chocolate truffles (complementing the cinnamon and cola notes), and pecan pie (matching its warm baking spice). The Manhattan works alongside charcuterie boards (its cherry and savory herb notes mirror cured meats), blue cheese (the rye backbone stands up to bold funk), and fig-topped crostini (echoing its dried fruit finish).What sizes does Classics from The West come in? This set includes two 375ml bottles — one Old Fashioned and one Manhattan — packaged together as a two-pack.Is Classics from The West worth the price? The set positions in the premium ready-to-drink tier, justified by genuine barrel aging, quality MGP whiskey sourcing, and the pedigree of a distillery recognized as Whisky Advocate's Distiller of the Year — it delivers noticeably more depth than typical bottled cocktails at a similar price point.Why Classics from The West?What separates this set from the rapidly expanding field of bottled cocktails is the three-month barrel-aging step in second-use rye whiskey oak — a process that genuinely transforms the drinks rather than serving as a marketing label. High West's blending expertise, built on a foundation of sourcing and marrying whiskeys from MGP and other producers, translates directly into cocktails where every ingredient has time to knit together. The Old Fashioned earned a B+ from Drinkhacker, and both expressions showcase the house style of bold spice and layered fruit. For anyone seeking bar-quality classic cocktails without a shaker, jigger, or compromise, this two-pack is one of the more credible options on the market.
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