My previous recipe for this vintage riff on a Manhattan followed the classic two-part whiskey (split 3:1 between bourbon and rye) to one-part vermouth...
Another example of how the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. We use Cocchi Vermouth Amaro...it engages lovingly and assertively with the Rye.
Very nice, as John Carr points out, the bitters make the drink. Here they boost the flavour profile instead of dominating it. I used Bitter Truth Bitters for all three thinking they would complement each other which seemed to be the case.
Very dry! I tend to like cocktails on the drier side of things but this was almost overwhelming. The only celery bitter i had available was the atrocious bitter truth interpretation. Might try again with better celery bitters.
Have to say this is the first cocktail I’ve used celery bitters in that I’ve liked. It has really drawn out the finish of the bourbon and rye whiskies. Excellent.
Just tried this with Old Grand-dad, Dad's Hat rye, and Antica Torino, all of which made for a rich base flavor. But the celery bitters - wow! - did they stand out, providing a stellar herbal accent. Wish I hadn't just run out of orange - not that something's missing - would've brightened up the edges here. (31 Jan 2022, 8:40a)
Anonymous
30th January 2022 at 00:43
A very Whisky flavoured drink. The bitters compliment the whisky, while the vermouth tames the whisky bite. Did not use the celery bitters, but orange peel worked very nice.