A Waste of Good Rye?

[Paradox]

Really, that's good to know Jeff. I have two different ways of coming into KY, either thru Louisville or Lexington. Both ways are within 15-20 miles of each other. Last year I went the Louisville way and was planning on going that way again, but maybe I'll try Lexington for the hell of it and to save a few bucks haha.

[OneCubeOnly]

the one drink that I must say comes out great is a Manahattan made with some Van Winkle 13 YO Family Reserve Rye.

Is there an echo in here!? J/K!

I suppose I shouldn't have feelings of guilt when I use it for Manhattans, after all...I use my very best gin for martinis without any inner turmoil!

[Bob]

Jeff,

That's a definite to buy on my shopping list! Thanks for the info.

Bob

[dhooch]

I recently had guests over and a friend asked for a Manhattan. I told him to choose a bourbon from my bourbon shelf, VW rye or an American whiskey (that he usually likes ). He selected ORVW 15yo/107! I told him that I refuse to spoil a great sippin' whiskey for a Manhattan and told him to select again. He chose Buffalo Trace. Good for him! It was better than some of the rock gut I also have, but not so good that I felt really bad pouring vermouth in it. Also, lucky for me, he didn't ask for the Booker's in his Manhattan.

[cowdery]

On a recommendation from Gary Regan, while in New York a few years ago I went to the Ritz, found the bartender Gary named, and asked for a Blanton's manhattan. It was sublime. It's just like when you cook with wine. Good whiskey just makes the drink taste that much better. (Pappy and Coke, anyone?)

[dhooch]

...(Pappy and Coke, anyone?)

Yeah, right!

[Dave_in_Canada]

(Pappy and Coke, anyone?

While i've always respected your opinion, now you've gone too far

[cowdery]

Sorry, I should have used an emoticon. Is there one for "tongue pressed firmly in cheek"?

[Gillman]

On whether the best whiskey always makes a better cocktail: ORVW 13 year old rye whiskey is so good it is kind of a Manhattan on its own: full and sweet, fruity, even a shade bitter (or dry) from oak extract. Adding vermouth and bitters seems superfluous! Actually I do recall once having a very good Manhattan made from this rye whiskey, so maybe there can never be too much of a good thing.

Gary

[bourbonv]

Chuck,
While at U.D. Chris and I worked on the concept of "Better Bourbon makes Better Drinks." Better bourbon does make a better bourbon and coke - I personally thought the Heritage Collection Weller was the best of what we tried but I still prefer the Weller neat.
Pappy and Coke! It happened in front of Julian at the Bourbon Gala one year. He was shocked to say the least.
Mike Veach