A Full Guide on the Best Bourbon for Manhattan

There are those who believe that a Manhattan can only be created with a rye whiskey, but that is not true. There are a wide range of bourbons that are perfect for creating a great manhattan. While the original cocktail was made to be a bit on the spicy side, many feel that it is better when made with bourbon so that it is slightly sweet. So, ignore all of the haters and enjoy sipping your manhattan made with bourbon.

We highly recommend Woodford Reserve as this is our personal favorite bourbon to drink as a manhattan, but don’t worry if you are not a fan as we are going to give you a selection of different options that we liked as well.

A Look at Our Top Pick – Woodford Reserve

 

Image result for woodford reserve

 

Woodford Reserve is the best bourbon for creating the perfect manhattan. One of the things that people really enjoy is that bourbon is that it is reliable. The flavor notes of Woodford Reserve offer rich cocoa, spicy cinnamon, and buttery toffee notes. It is a well-rounded bourbon that is rich and delicious. You will be able to get the smoothest manhattan when you use Woodford Reserve.

About Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve

One of the things that is amazing about Woodford Reserve is where it is located. It is located in the bluegrass area where you are able to live among the rolling hills. The Woodford Reserve Distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky. In fact, the property where the distillery sits in the same site where Elijah Pepper started distilling whiskey in 1812.

After Elijah Pepper, James Christopher Crow, who was a Master Distiller, perfected whiskey making techniques. Many of the techniques that he developed are still used today. One of these is that he started adding sour mash into the fermentation process. Today, the distillery has a 500-foot long gravity-fed barrel run, copper pot stills, and a 100-year-old cypress wood fermenters. Plus, they use a heat-cycled barrelhouse. This is uncommon and Woodford Reserve is literally one of a handful in the entire world. This process is part of what offers the rich flavor and color of Woodford Reserve.

Tours

If you are interested, you can tour the Woodford Reserve Distillery. The tour allows you to take in the beauty of the area along with seeing the actual distilling process. The tour teaches you everything that you need to know about the uniqueness of Woodford Reserve.

Events

Woodford Reserve also hosts a number of events each year on their property. This allows you to have a good time and enjoy a special event while also enjoying the beauty of the property and the delicious flavors that Woodford Reserve has to offer.

Pros of Woodford Reserve

  • Woodford Reserve has won a number of awards.
  • The bourbon is creamy and smooth.
  • Woodford Reserve is perfect for both sipping on the rocks and mixing with cocktails.

Cons of Woodford Reserve

  • We wished that the finish of Woodford Reserve would last longer.
  • Many find the taste to be very strong and more sensitive palates cannot handle the strength.

A Look at Our Runner Up – Jim Beam Black Bourbon

jim beam black

Jim Beam Black Bourbon is the runner up for us. This bourbon is very affordable and very high quality. It is one of those liquors where the price and the quality are simply not in line with one another. It is a great bourbon for sipping neat or for using in a cocktail, like a manhattan.

This bourbon is aged for years longer than the original Jim Beam which offers it a smoother flavor that is extra full body. There are tastes of creamy and sweet caramel and richness from the oak. This is another bourbon that is capable of making a delicious manhattan.

About Jim Beam

Image result for jim beam logo

 

Jim Beam has a very rich cultural history that is more than two hundred years old. The Boehm family first arrived in the United States before the country had been formed, in 1740. By 1788 they had relocated to Kentucky where they changed their name to the American version, Beam. It was during the late 1700s that rye whiskeys were being distilled throughout the United States.

Jim Beam was one of the men making rye whiskey, using his dad’s recipe that had traveled with him from Germany. However, he had a surplus of corn as he was a corn farmer. When he began distilling the corn with the rye, he found that the bourbon whiskey that was produced was sweeter.

Jacob Beam took the recipe further and started selling Old Jake Beam Sour Mash. By 1795, he was a favorite and with more than 2000 distilleries in the state, it is a huge accomplishment to be among the favorite. During the 1800s the bourbon boom happened and Jim Beam remained popular. Today, there is a strong commitment to all of these principles to create a high-level bourbon that we enjoy today with Jim Beam Black.

Tours

Jim Beam has two locations that you can visit. The American Stillhouse is located in Clermont, Kentucky where it all began. There is also the Urban Stillhouse that is located in downtown Louisville. When you take a tour, you learn about the rich history of the brand and you get to see an in-depth look at the distilling process.

Events

Jim Beam offers a unique series of events where you almost start to believe that you are part of the amazing family that brought this bourbon alive. The distillery continues to host a number of bourbon events throughout the year.

Pros of Jim Beam Black

  • Jim Beam Black has won a number of awards.
  • Jim Beam Black is one of the best values that you can find if you want an affordable bourbon that tastes expensive.
  • You can enjoy Jim Beam Black for cocktails or if you are sipping it on the rocks.

Cons of Jim Beam Black

  • Often confused with Jim Beam (with the white label) which is not comparable in taste.
  • This bourbon is not available on all of the markets, so you might have a hard time finding it.

Alternative Bourbons

There were some alternative bourbons that made a delicious Manhattan, but these alternatives were not our top two choices. However, we simply could not pass up the opportunity to talk about them because did enjoy them as well.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon

maker's mark bourbon

Maker’s Mark is the longest-running distillery in Kentucky. This legendary bourbon makes a delicious manhattan, but there are a number of additional cocktails that are also great. Plus, you can enjoy Maker’s Mark Bourbon simply on the rocks. The bourbon has a nice oaky aroma and then offers the sweet flavors of vanilla and caramel. Maker’s Mark Bourbon features a smooth finish that allows the entire delicious tasting experience thanks to this smooth bourbon. Maker’s Mark has a large following and so many choose this bourbon as their top choice.

Pros of Maker’s Mark Bourbon

  • Many people enjoy the taste of Maker’s Mark as it is more accessible and serves as an entry to bourbon.
  • Maker’s Mark is a great bourbon for mixing with cocktails.
  • The distillery uses the most exquisite production techniques and always offers a top-quality product in the end.

Cons of Maker’s Mark Bourbon

  • The taste of Maker’s Mark Bourbon is not as memorable as other bourbons and it simply does not stand out.
  • There is a lot of wheat in the bourbon.

Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

knob creek bourbon

One of the things that we want to first note about Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is that it has a higher alcohol content. It is a bit spicier than some of the others on this list and adds a spicy flavor to your cocktails. Knob Creek is not the oldest bourbon on this list, but instead is one of the youngest.

Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Drizly

Bourbon /50% ABV / Kentucky, United States

Aged nine years, Knob Creek is the oldest by a couple years. The extra aging draws more flavor and sugar from the wood, providing a full-bodied, fruity flavor with hints of grass and grain. 

Check price
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

There are a number of special features that the distillery offers so that you can have the bourbon experience that you want, like allowing for customers to design their own custom labels.

When you first sib Knob Creek it is going to taste bland, but as it sits on your palate you begin to notice a woody flavor and then a hint of sweet toasted nuts. The taste lingers and allows you to get the spicy notes and a sweet unique vanilla flavor that is simply unforgettable.

Pros of Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • Knob Creek is a great bourbon to pick up for mixing cocktails.
  • This bourbon has won multiple awards.
  • There is a delicious spicy aftertaste with Knob Creek.

Cons of Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

  • The beginning notes for Knob Creek are bland and unremarkable.
  • The original version of this bourbon was stronger and it seems that it is not as flavor-forward as it used to be.

Four Roses Bourbon

Image result for four roses bourbon

Four Roses Bourbon is another solid choice for the manhattan. This bourbon is very smooth, so you will instantly feel like it stands out. It has a high rated reputation and is well-loved in many bourbon circles. The bourbon has a delicious aroma that is subtle but noticeable. It is a smooth bourbon that features the subtle hints of winter spice and sweetness of bourbon.

There is a delicious finish that lingers even after drinking. This became the most popular bourbon in the United States after Prohibition. It was only sold in Europe and Japan from the late 1950s until 2002 when it reappeared in the United States market.

Pros of Four Roses Bourbon

  • Four Roses Bourbon has a very unique combination of flavors.
  • It has a rich history and has been favored considerably.
  • You can trust the Four Roses brand

Cons of Four Roses Bourbon

  • Some testers have reported that when drinking Four Roses Bourbon straight that they found it to be a bit off-putting, so you really need to mix this bourbon with something.
  • The bourbon was not made or sold in the US for a long time.

Eagle Rare Bourbon

Image result for eagle rare bourbon

Eagle Rare Bourbon is one of the newer bourbons that is available today. It has a nice reputation and is known for developing and changing for the better over the years. This is one of the bourbons that features just the right amount of alcohol to make cocktails. It is one of the best choices for a manhattan because of this. There are hints of herbs and oak when the taste starts.

The flavor is combined with the fruity citrus hints of orange peel and the sweet buttery flavors of toffee. There is an additional sweet candied almond flavor and a smooth cocoa taste. It offers a taste that lingers on the lips so that you can easily finish your drink.

Pros of Eagle Rare Bourbon

  • Eagle Rare Bourbon has a straightforward taste that is full of oak flavors.
  • This bourbon is perfect for mixing.
  • Eagle Rare Bourbon is offered at a very affordable price.

Cons of Eagle Rare Bourbon

  • Eagle Rare Bourbon is very thin.
  • It features an aroma that is not unique and does not stand out from others.

How to Create the Best Manhattan

manhattan

One thing that will likely surprise you about creating the perfect manhattan is that the drink does not require a lot of time or effort. If you learn how to make the best manhattan is to know what the different types of manhattans are. One of these is the manhattan and the other is the perfect manhattan. There is not that much difference between the manhattan and the perfect manhattan.

A manhattan is made with sweet vermouth, bitters, and bourbon. A perfect Manhattan is made with sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, bitters, and bourbon. This is the only choice between the two of these drinks. When you choose a delicious and great manhattan recipe, like the one that we are going to share, you will be able to enjoy drinking your cocktails.

Manhattan Recipe

  • 2 ounces bourbon, we prefer Woodford Reserve
  • 1-ounce sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes angostura bitters
  • Garnish — cocktail cherry

Step 1 — Measure all ingredients into a glass filled with ice.

Step 2 — Stir the ingredients with the ice until the liquor is chilled. This typically takes about 30 to 45 seconds.

Step 3 — Strain the liquor into a cold prepared cocktail glass.

Step 4 — Garnish the drink with a cherry.

Perfect Manhattan Recipe

  • 2 ounces of bourbon, we prefer Woodford Reserve
  • ½ ounce sweet vermouth
  • ½ ounce dry vermouth
  • 4 dashes angostura bitters
  • Garnish — lemon twist

Step 1 — Measure all ingredients into a glass filled with ice.

Step 2 — Stir the ingredients with the ice for about 30 to 45 seconds until the liquid is chilled.

Step 3 — Strain the liquor into a cold prepared cocktail glass.

Step 4 – Garnish with a lemon twist.

Additional Ways to Make a Manhattan

cocktail

There are actually five different ways that you can make a manhattan. We wanted to share these with you so that you would know how to make your manhattans the right way.

The Right Way

Many people do not realize that there is a right way to make a manhattan. The biggest thing that you need to do, aside from mastering one simple skill, is to make sure that you are thinking clearly and are prepared to make cocktails.  When you follow our steps you are going to be happy with the cocktails that you create.

Step 1 — Find All of the Ingredients

The first manhattans were being made before 1882, but that was the first year where there was a written record of the cocktail. It was recorded as being a drink made of bitters, vermouth, and rye whiskey. Not much has changed, but we highly recommend choosing bourbon over rye whiskey. Make sure that you look at our recommendations when choosing ingredients and recipes to ensure that you have everything you need.

Step 2 — Prepare Your Glasses

To prepare your glasses you will want to put them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. If you want the glass to be well chilled, it is going to take a little bit of time.

Step 3 — Measure the Ingredients

Next, you will want to carefully measure all of the ingredients. Some bartenders, after years of practice, are able to pour without measuring, but you should always measure if you are not an expert.

Step 4 — Crack Ice

Many people skip this step or do not know that you are supposed to crack your ice. You can crack the ice in a number of ways, but there are small cocktail ice hammers and small bags where you crack ice as well.

Step 5 — Stir

Do not shake your manhattan. You will want to carefully stir the drink. Make sure that you overcome the urge to shake since it is considered to be easier. It actually takes away from the integrity of the drink.

Step 6 — Strain

Use a julep strainer over the glass and strain the drink into the prepared cocktail glass.

Step 7 — Garnish

Garnish your manhattan appropriately.

Step 8 — Serve or Enjoy

Next, you simply serve the cocktail or enjoy it for yourself.

Blow It Up

manhattan cocktail

When you blow it up, there are some things that you can do to change things up. Basically, you will change up the liquor to something like tequila or rum.

Not Wrong Way

Step 1 — Assemble ingredients.

Step 2 — Grab a glass, whether it be chilled or not.

Step 3 — Place ice cubes in a glass that is larger than your cocktail glass. Pour the bourbon into the glass. Add half as much sweet vermouth and add bitters.

Step 4 — Stir with a stirrer or even a butter knife.

Step 5 — Strain the drink into your glass. You can use your fingers if you do not have a strainer.

Step 6 — Drink your manhattan and enjoy.

On the Rocks

manhattan cocktail in glass

While some might consider it to be wrong, having a manhattan on the rocks means that you will simply have a manhattan over ice.

Possible Changes in the Manhattan Recipe

You can use a number of substitutes for the vermouth to make your cocktail more interesting. Here are some of our suggestions for this.

  • Since we love bourbon, we appreciate that you can use Cinzano instead of vermouth.
  • If you are drinking a manhattan made from rye whiskey, your best choice would be to add Martini and Rossi instead of vermouth.

By changing things up, you are able to easily add the things that are going to make your cocktail stand apart and be great.

Conclusion

Making an amazing bourbon manhattan is a great way to enjoy a cocktail at night. If you have always wanted to know how to make a great bourbon manhattan and which bourbon would make the perfect manhattan. While we tested many bourbons it was Woodford Reserve that came out on top.

We were happy with Woodford Reserve because the bourbon has the perfect flavor notes to create a balanced and delicious cocktail. Many people like to make their own variations on a manhattan. This means that you can create your own signature cocktail. When you are creating a bourbon Manhattan, picking the right bourbon is very important to your overall success.

Recommended Reads:

FAQs

What is the difference between a Manhattan and a Perfect Manhattan?

While you might be overwhelmed when you hear the term Perfect Manhattan, you should not be. This term just means that there is a combination of dry vermouth and sweet vermouth in the manhattan. When you make a perfect manhattan, it is to be garnished with a lemon twist. Basically, you just need to remember that if there is any dry vermouth, the garnish should be lemon.

What’s in a Manhattan drink on the rocks?

A manhattan is not typically served on the rocks. Manhattans are served straight up without any ice.

What is the best vermouth for Manhattan?

There are a number of sweet vermouths that are great and easily available. Here are just a few of our top picks:
• Nolly Prat Rouge
• Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
• Vya Sweet Vermouth
• Dolin Rouge Vermouth

What is the difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned?

An Old Fashioned is made from a rye whiskey or bourbon, bitters, and simple syrup. The Manhattan uses just sweet vermouth instead of sugar or simple syrup. This is the main difference between the two of these cocktails.

What kind of glass should a Manhattan be served in?

A manhattan is typically stirred and strained into a cocktail glass. It is then garnished with a Maraschino cherry. If you are serving a manhattan on the rocks, you will serve it in a low ball glass.

What is the difference between dry and sweet vermouth?

Dry vermouth contains just 4% sugar. Sweet vermouth contains 10-14% sugar. Dry vermouth is a light color and sweet vermouth has a dark color because of the caramel from the sugar.

What whiskey should I use in Manhattan?

A traditional Manhattan is said to be made with a rye whiskey. There are a number of great rye whiskeys that you can choose from if this is what you are looking for. A bourbon manhattan has a deliciously sweet flavor that is unique and something that is even better for those who like the sweet flavor better than the spiciness.

Is a Manhattan served over ice?

Manhattans are not generally served over ice. However, there are times when you might have someone ask for a manhattan to be served on the rocks. If this happens then you should serve the manhattan over ice.

What are the best drinking glasses?

To be honest, there is really not much difference in different types of drinking glasses. Just look for glasses that are made out of the types of glass that you are interested in owning and serving drinks out of.

Can I order a Manhattan on the rocks?

If you prefer that your drinks be served over ice, you are able to order a manhattan on the rocks when you order your drink.

What is a drink served dirty?

If you are ordering a drink that is dirty, you are asking that your drink be mixed with the briny liquid that is in a jar of bar olives.