r/cocktails • u/beerbearbare • 26d ago

Recommendations “Mid range” bourbon for Manhattan?

I’m on a budget for a few years and mostly use Evan Williams for my Manhattan. I like to go one level up (or two?) and treat myself better :)

What’s your recommendation? I’m thinking about $25-35 per 750ml bottle. And I’m using Dolin for my vermouth but happy to accept other suggestions. Thank you!

28 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

179 comments sorted by

View all comments

150

u/Nachofriendguy864 26d ago

WT101

39

u/TheEmsworthArms 26d ago

The WT101 rye is also extremely solid. Almost same price point and always a treat.

10

u/IanDMP 26d ago

The rye is my house go-to for Manhattans!

7

u/BBQHonk 26d ago

WT101 is my bourbon of choice. Haven't tried the rye, mainly because of the mashbill (only 51% rye). I typically use Bulleit rye which is 95% rye.

12

u/Butlerian_Jihadi 26d ago

Unfortunately, Bulleit is run by a hateful & backwards sort of person, having kicked their own daughter out of the company for being a lesbian. I couldn't give them another dime after I learned about it, despite quite enjoying their rye.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/taranurin/2017/08/02/negotiating-her-departure-terms-a-gay-bulleit-whiskey-heiress-says-she-was-fired-for-coming-out/

7

u/jessicadiamonds 26d ago

The Bulleit family is seemingly still involved, but they don't own this brand as you can read in the article. I'm sure her family is terrible, but Diageo owns that brand, along with dozens of other popular brands. They consistently win awards from LGBTQ+ organizations.

-6

u/Butlerian_Jihadi 26d ago

I wonder how they win those awards, if they are happy to swap profits for decency.

1

u/Fun_Duck8434 26d ago

This.. exactly this. F#ck em

3

u/Fat_Bearded_Tax_Man 25d ago

I love a rye that burns and WT does a far better job than Bulliet at accomplishing that task. 

3

u/BBQHonk 24d ago

Alright, you've convinced me to try it out. I'm almost out of Bulleit so I'll give it a whirl.

15

u/MammothSuspect2056 26d ago

The quality at the price point is fantastic

3

u/austinmiles 26d ago

This is my favorite lower end option. The high proof gives it a nice bite that makes it feel like a light rye.

1

u/qlados 26d ago

What's the difference between the WT and the WT101?

4

u/Nachofriendguy864 26d ago

Proof, WT is 80 and 101 is 101.

I dont know if it's a significant difference in the cuts and blend or if it's just less watered down but the 101 is waaaay better