Overview: VinePair tapped ten bartenders across the country to identify the whiskey expressions they prioritize for building an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, and a wild card cocktail of their choice. The resulting selections range in proof, style, and mash bill, reflecting personal preference alongside technical requirements.
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Whiskey has always played a key role in the world of mixed drinks, serving as a foundation for classics like the Manhattan, Sazerac, and Whiskey Sour. Deciding between bourbon and rye is one consideration; picking exactly which brand and expression is an entirely different ballgame. The best whiskey for a Boulevardier is likely different from the best for a Paper Plane. Seasoned drinkers may prefer a high-proof expression that can stand up to other ingredients in complicated cocktails, whereas whiskey newcomers may like beginner-friendly bottles with mellow, welcoming flavors.
The survey highlights specific technical distinctions between preferred expressions. Old Bardstown Bottled-in-Bond is noted as one of the best whiskeys for an Old Fashioned due to its 100-proof structure. Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Rye delivers enough weight and character at 100 proof to maintain tension with sweet vermouth in a Manhattan. Elijah Craig Small Batch has the balance of fruit, oak, and warm spice desired in a Whiskey Sour. At 94 proof, it maintains a noticeable whiskey presence against the acidity of fresh lemon while its natural sweetness helps bring the cocktail together.
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