High West Double Rye Manhattan Finish

Received a generous sample of this from a friend from across the Hudson. It appears High West might have limited store picks, and this could be one. I haven't had a Manhattan before, so it's difficult to make a comparison. Every Sunday evening, it's my turn to cook. Tonight, I'm making stir fry with a red pepper peanut sauce. I have a habit while cooking: I need either a glass of wine or a pour of whiskey. One pour gets me through the entire cooking process. I picked up this habit from a friend back in business school. She lived with her boyfriend off campus, but whenever his religious parents visited, she'd temporarily move into my apartment. She had a habit of cooking while finishing half a bottle of Jack, neat. By the end of cooking, she'd be passed out on the sofa. I noticed the more she drank, the better her cooking tasted. So, I used to buy her a bottle every other day, and she'd make these amazing meals, exclusively for me, as she was passed out. I was content with that arrangement. Hence, this current habit, except I only have one pour, and I don't pass out. Anyway, about this particular sample: Initially on the nose, I get maraschino cherries and sweet vermouth, with a strong alcohol vapor presence. The palate continues with the cherries, but adds a strong taste of vanilla and licorice. If this is what a Manhattan tastes like, I definitely need to try one. It's deceptively delicious. Thanks for the sample, my friend!