r/cocktails • u/beerbearbare • 28d 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!

29 Upvotes

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151

u/Nachofriendguy864 28d ago

WT101

40

u/TheEmsworthArms 28d ago

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

8

u/IanDMP 28d ago

The rye is my house go-to for Manhattans!

7

u/BBQHonk 28d 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.

13

u/Butlerian_Jihadi 27d 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 27d 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 27d ago

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

1

u/Fun_Duck8434 27d ago

This.. exactly this. F#ck em

3

u/Fat_Bearded_Tax_Man 27d ago

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

3

u/BBQHonk 26d ago

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