Tonight, the bourbon heavyweights are coming together for the ultimate cocktail competition. The Manhattan Experience pits eight bartenders against each other. The goal? To mix the perfect variation of this classic cocktail. The prize? The unyielding admiration of lushes everywhere.
The event was organized by Woodford Reserve and Esquire Magazine. We will, of course, be on hand to report. Though, it’s hard not to be biased about this one.
We’ve got to root for our home team bartender. New York’s entry is from Shawn Sugrue. His Perfect FIGure combines sweet and dry vermouth, orange bitters, and zinfandel port. It’s garnished with a fig – beat that other cities!
We expect the toughest challenge to come from the Houston entry, by bartender Derek Black. His cocktail is the Maple Bacon Manhattan. How do we know this contestant will be formidable? The first ingredient in his drink is bacon infused Woodford.
Yes, we want NYC to take it, but we can’t help but drool a little.
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