Manhattan's Anyone?

[SBOmarc]

Made batches of Manhattan's for a cocktail party over the weekend. Among the bottles used were Beam Black, Maker's Mark, WT 101 and OGD 86. ( It was a well attended party ). By far the best drink was the Maker's rendition. All were mixed the same way at the same ratios of whiskey, sweet vermouth and spring water. The water helps when batching. Looking for other versions and bottles that are used for this drink.

[TNbourbon]

Take a look at this thread:
http://www.straightbourbon.com/forum...ight=Manhattan

[wrbriggs]

Made batches of Manhattan's for a cocktail party over the weekend. Among the bottles used were Beam Black, Maker's Mark, WT 101 and OGD 86. ( It was a well attended party ). By far the best drink was the Maker's rendition. All were mixed the same way at the same ratios of whiskey, sweet vermouth and spring water. The water helps when batching. Looking for other versions and bottles that are used for this drink.

I don't see any bitters listed in your recipe!! Ah well, it seems fewer people enjoy bitters nowadays anyway.

I'm not surprised that Maker's created the most popular Manhattan, as it is (at least IMHO) an approachable, rather bland and inoffensive bourbon.

Traditionally, a good Manhattan is made with a rye-heavy bourbon like OGD, or a straight rye whiskey like Old Overholt or Rittenhouse BIB.

If you are interested in the Manhattan, you owe it to yourself to try one made w/ bitters and a straight rye whiskey.

[kbuzbee]

By far the best drink was the Maker's rendition.... Looking for other versions and bottles that are used for this drink.

Bill Samuel's was quoted saying he prefers his bitters free. Here is his recipe:

The “Maker’s Mark Manhattan”
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Maker’s Mark
.5 oz Sweet Vermouth, we recommend you try Carpano
1 teaspoon of maraschino cherry juice
Maraschino cherry
Fill Maker’s Mark cocktail shaker * full with ice; add 1.5 oz Maker’s Mark, .5 oz Sweet vermouth, and maraschino cherry juice. Shake for 30 seconds (as above). Strain into chilled Manhattan glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Not a big cocktail fan, myself but I may try this one day.

[kbuzbee]

I'm not surprised that Maker's created the most popular Manhattan, as it is (at least IMHO) an approachable, rather bland and inoffensive bourbon.

There was a time a while back when I would have agreed with you. I really enjoy strong Rye flavor (WT Rye is just wonderful). But today, I have to disagree with the "bland" part. It is definitly more subtle than a huge Rye flavored Bourbon but delicious in its own right. I've recently been re-appreciating the joys of Maker's and have been opening up a whole new world I'd been dismissing. Maker's has a wonderful nose and, given time to develope in the glass, rewards the palate with a smooth but enjoyable taste that differs from the rye crowd. We are fortunate to have such variety.

Ken

[wrbriggs]

Bill Samuel's was quoted saying he prefers his bitters free. Here is his recipe

Well, I don't honestly think a Manhattan made w/ Maker's could stand up to having the bitters added - Maker's is so mild that it wouldn't work w/ bitters; so it makes sense Bill prefers them without, since he would hardly recommend a recipe that would taste poorly when made with his whiskey.

[wrbriggs]

There was a time a while back when I would have agreed with you. I really enjoy strong Rye flavor (WT Rye is just wonderful). But today, I have to disagree with the "bland" part. It is definitly more subtle than a huge Rye flavored Bourbon but delicious in its own right. I've recently been re-appreciating the joys of Maker's and have been opening up a whole new world I'd been dismissing. Maker's has a wonderful nose and, given time to develope in the glass, rewards the palate with a smooth but enjoyable taste that differs from the rye crowd. We are fortunate to have such variety.

Ken

Perhaps I misspoke; I did mean "bland" in the pejorative fashion... I meant bland as defined by:

Characterized by a moderate, unperturbed, or tranquil quality

I think we can all agree that whether or not we like Maker's, it is not a flavor powerhouse - it is a moderately flavored bourbon; if you enjoy this type of flavor, more power to you.

[cowdery]

For what it's worth, my favorite manhattan uses Rittenhouse Rye BIB, sweet vermouth and a few healthy splashes of bitters, on the rocks, no garnish, but that's just me. Whatever floats your boat.

[brian12069]

I have always made my Manhattans with bourbon that is not my favorite neat. Ever buy a bottle of bourbon because it's inexpensive or on sale and you just wanted to try it? Then you find it was not so great. This is a good way for me to use up those bourbons and still enjoy them, they always make a nice Manhattan...and yes...add the bitters!

[BourbonJoe]

I prefer my Manhattans made with Canadian Whiskey rather than Bourbon. Bourbon in a Manhattan is just a tad too sweet for me. I can drink 'em but I prefer Canadian Whiskey. Just me I guess.
Joe