The Manhattan’s simplicity is key to its success. Unlike other classics, the glimmer of the whiskey cocktail never faded during the dark ages of drinking. That’s a lot of years for the recipe to be fine-tuned to perfection. Along the way, it inspired not only countless spin-offs, but also more fundamental questions, like whether it should be built on a base of rye or bourbon.
In our blind tasting of 17 Manhattan recipes, rye was undoubtedly the more popular choice. But what is the best bottle for the job? We asked a handful of veteran bartenders for their recommendations for the best rye for the Manhattan. Here’s what they had to say.
The Best Rye for Manhattans
Rittenhouse Rye
In our blind tasting, New York bartender Jeremy Oertel’s recipe won over the judges for its richness and full body. Seven years later, his preferred whiskey for the classic, Rittenhouse Rye, remains the same: “Rittenhouse is by far the best budget-friendly, and maybe best overall,” he says. Portland’s Katie Stipe also appreciates the versatility of the storied, balanced rye, calling it her “forever go-to” for classics beyond the Manhattan, including Sazeracs, Old-Fashioneds and Boulevardiers.
- Price: $32
- ABV: 50%
Wild Turkey 101 Rye
According to New York’s Joaquín Simó and San Diego’s Erick Castro, Wild Turkey 101 rye makes for an excellent Manhattan. The bottling has “tremendous structure, very well-integrated oak, and that inimitable Wild Turkey funk that plays really nicely with most sweet vermouths,” says Simó. Castro agrees: “For the price, you can’t beat it,” he says, praising the whiskey’s ability to provide “a lot of backbone and structure to a cocktail.”
- Price: $38
- ABV: 50.5%
Russell’s Reserve 6-Year Rye
“For something slightly more expensive, but not to say superior to Rittenhouse, I’d say Russell’s Reserve 6-year rye would be elegant” in a Manhattan, says Stipe. At a lower ABV than other recommended bottles on this list, the rye is milder, with subtler baking spice notes. Spirits expert Paul McGee also recommends Russell’s Reserve rye, but notes that it’s worth the splurge for the single-barrel release. “It still has the richness that you find in the 6-year rye, but the added proof brings those flavors to the forefront.”
- Price: $60
- ABV: 45%
Pikesville Rye
Like Rittenhouse, Pikesville Rye is made by Heaven Hill Distillery. Oertel says this bottling is a great higher-end pick, as it’s “made from the best barrels” and “the higher proof will give it some extra kick.” With its confectionery notes, spice and high proof, it’s “just screaming for a healthy slug of vermouth and some bitters,” according to Simó, making it an easy choice for Manhattans.
- Price: $70
- ABV: 55%
WhistlePig Small Batch 10-Year Rye
When it comes to finding a whiskey for Manhattans, “you’re looking for something that can’t be bullied by the ingredients,” says Castro. His pick to make a more premium Manhattan, WhistlePig Small Batch 10-Year Rye, fits the bill. With its prominent spice notes and hint of smoke, the whiskey shines when mixed in cocktails, and Castro says its 50 percent ABV “makes it sing in a Manhattan.”
- Price: $70
- ABV: 50%
