The Sazerac Company pays homage to the origins of American cocktailing with their recently introduced Handy & Schiller Barreled Cocktails. Named for Thomas Handy and John Schiller, two men who had a great impact on the culture in New Orleans.

In the late 1800s, NYC bartender Schiller found his way to New Orleans and began operating the French Quarter's world-famous Sazerac Coffeehouse. Handy, a Maryland native , worked for Schiller at the Sazerac and later went on to establish his own importing and wholesale liquor business. Together, these two men played a role in the early days of cocktail-making that helped set the standard and inspiration going forward.

With the launch of Handy & Schiller Barreled Cocktails comes two signature cocktails, the Handy & Schiller Barreled Old Fashioned and the Handy & Schiller Barreled Manhattan. Each of these signature cocktails were crafted and aged at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, using its award-winning spirits, under the watchful eye of Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.

“We’re incredibly excited about the launch of Handy & Schiller cocktails,” says Jana Ritter, Sazerac Marketing Manager, via a statement. “We believe this will provide cocktail enthusiasts the perfect way to conveniently serve quality cocktails.”

Wheatley describes the Old Fashioned as having “the perfect balance of sweetness and oak influence. The finish is a hint of creamy citrus fruit with a nice bourbon character overall.” Wheatley described the Manhattan as “a well-balanced cocktail with the perfect amount of rye and spice. A nice finish of fruit with subtle sweetness.”

Fittingly, Handy & Schiller Barreled Cocktails launched in New Orleans and will spread to other select markets by late next year. Each signature cocktail will come in a 750ml bottle in a sleek matching canister and will be available beginning in October for $39.99.