9 Best Bourbons for Manhattans

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updated May 07, 2020

manhattan cocktail drink — Annabelle Breakey/Getty Images

The Manhattan: It's a deliciously simple, classic cocktail that’s typically made using Angostura bitters, sweet red Vermouth, and rye or Canadian whiskey. But if you happen to be out of rye or Canadian whiskey, you can absolutely use bourbon in a Manhattan. Due to its sweetness and touch of smokiness, bourbon boasts all the flavors needed to create an impressive and satisfying Manhattan. This American-made spirit might even leave you rethinking how you make your next Manhattan.

Scroll on to find out the best bourbons for Manhattans.

01 of 09

Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Straight Bourbon

Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Bourbon $38

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While most bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels, Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Straight Bourbon takes things a bit further by finishing its bourbon in port barrels. The end result is a complex spirit that is somewhat sweet, but not overpoweringly so.

When making a Manhattan using this bourbon, limit the amount of sweet Vermouth used to avoid an overly sweet concoction.

02 of 09

Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon

Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon $28

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Shortly after the Manhattan was created, a number of variations on this classic cocktail were birthed. For a remixed Manhattan that doesn’t stray too far from the original, opt for Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon. The addition of natural smoked flavors creates a savory sweetness ideal for making a Manhattan.

03 of 09

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Woodford Reserve Bourbon $40

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Although Woodford Reserve's line of spirits does include Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, the brand’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a worthwhile option for a classic Manhattan. Consisting of well over 200 flavor notes, which vary from spicy to floral, Woodford Reserve's bourbon still manages to capture some of the characteristics prevalent in rye whiskey.

04 of 09

Redemption High Rye Bourbon

Redemption High Rye Bourbon $28

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A boozy combination of both rye and bourbon, Redemption High Rye Bourbon is for those who absolutely need a touch of rye in their Manhattan. To create this unique spirit, a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% barley malt is necessary. Additionally, the spirit is aged at least one year in new charred American oak.

05 of 09

Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit Bourbon $30

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As one of the best-selling bourbons on the market, Bulleit Bourbon is a wonder when it comes to mixing up cocktails, but how does this bourbon stack up when it’s used to create a Manhattan? Quite well, actually. It’s a go-to for many when crafting a bourbon-centric Manhattan thanks to quality ingredients and a high rye content.

06 of 09

Iron Smoke Applewood Smoked Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Iron Smoke Apple Wood Smoked Straight Bourbon Whiskey $55

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This spirit serves as yet another bourbon with added “oomph” due to an unexpected addition to the distillation process. As its name suggests, Iron Smoke Applewood Smoked Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made using grains that are exposed to applewood smoke. The end result is a bourbon with a sweeter smokiness to it, a perfect addition to any Manhattan base.

07 of 09

Blade & Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Blade & Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey $55

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The elegance of the Manhattan is one that should be replicated with whatever spirit you’re using, whether it’s a bourbon or rye. For a premium (but affordable) option for your Manhattan, consider Blade & Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon. A blend of orphan casks, this bourbon is made using premium spirits and only costs around $50 per bottle.

08 of 09

Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey $28

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Basil Hayden’s features a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that’s light-bodied yet still spicy, or as they put it, “artfully aged to taste.” With a finish that’s dry and clean, it’s a bourbon capable of working wonders when used in a Manhattan.

09 of 09

Four Roses Bourbon

Four Roses Bourbon $26 $23

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For your next Manhattan, opt for this Kentucky-based brand’s single barrel bourbon. With tasting notes that include dried spice, pear, cocoa, vanilla, maple syrup, and ripe plum, and cherries, Four Roses Single Barrel features a medley of flavors perfect for mixing up a worthy take on the Manhattan.