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Chris Dimal
14th February 2023 at 08:12
I was disappointed. I guess I'm just too young to enjoy a Manhattan. I unfortunately got mostly the ethanol from the Bourbon (replete with the burn), with none of the nuances whatsoever. The sweet vermouth (I used Cinzano) was completely lost, and the bitters just tasted like bitters. Any insight? Is it just that I have underwhelming ingredients?
9th March 2024 at 04:17
Which bourbon did you use?
12th March 2024 at 13:28
At that time it was Buffalo Trace (45%), if I recall. Was a great Bourbon in many other cocktails.
24th August 2023 at 00:04
Chris, I think Manhattans are better balanced with a 2:1 ratio of whiskey to vermouth, rather than the 3:1 suggested here. I also like them with a bit more syrup from the cherry jar -- maybe a barspoon. I don't know what you were using for ingredients, but better ones will of course make a better drink. No matter what brand of vermouth you use, it needs to be fresh. Vermouth goes stale after a few months once it's opened, even if you keep it in the refrigerator.
12th March 2024 at 13:26
Sorry for the late response. Absolutely Scott, good ingredients, better drinks. The vermouth was less then 3 months since it was opened. Sadly, 2:1 was even worse. Maybe I just don't like Manhattans, or very spirit forward drinks in general. I guess it's sort of normal, considering I'm only in my early 20s.