The Details: A deep, spirited classic featuring bold rye whiskey and savory-sweet accents.
Price: $10
The Build:
- The Base: Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey.
- The Modifier: Premium sweet vermouth.
- The Twist: Black walnut bitters.
- The Garnish: An Amarena cherry skewer.
- The Upgrade: Enhance your experience with High Noon Double West Rye for an additional charge.
Rye, Walnut, and the Power of the Upgrade
Most traditional bourbons lean into sweetness with a heavy corn base, but Bulleit 95 Whiskey is a different breed. It is a straight rye whiskey with a “95% rye” mash bill (hence the name). This high-rye content gives the spirit a signature peppery snap and a clean, dry finish. When mixed into a Manhattan, it ensures the whiskey doesn’t get lost in the sweet vermouth, providing a sturdy, spicy backbone that defines the classic “rye” style.
The Craft: Why the High Noon Upgrade?
If you’re looking to take your Manhattan to the next level, we suggest the High Noon Double West Rye. While Bulleit is a fantastic standard, High Noon is an artisanal step up. It is a blend of two distinct straight ryes—one from the Midwest and one from the West Coast—that are aged and married together. This “double” approach results in a much deeper complexity, offering notes of rich clove, dark chocolate, and a silky-smooth finish that feels incredibly premium. It transforms the cocktail from a standard classic into a true connoisseur’s pour.
The Point Nine Experience: A Savory Masterpiece
The Manhattan is an enduring and substantial choice for those who appreciate the finer points of distillation. It is a world-class partner for our French Dip. The dry spice of the rye and the earthy notes of the black walnut bitters find a perfect echo in the savory, slow-simmered au jus of the sandwich. It’s a sophisticated pairing that is best enjoyed slowly, perhaps while relaxing on the patio as the evening air cools down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are black walnut bitters? Most Manhattans use Angostura (aromatic) bitters. We swap those for black walnut bitters to add a rich, nutty, and slightly smoky depth that complements the wood notes in the whiskey.
What is an Amarena cherry? Forget the bright red maraschino cherries of the past. Amarena cherries are small, dark, and intensely flavored Italian cherries preserved in a rich syrup. They provide a luxurious, tart sweetness that is the perfect final “bite” to the drink.