Luck Down – Reservoir Rye
What better way to start the new year as with a Manhattan variation? In this case, I used quite the special rye whiskey as a base spirit. Rye whiskey usually consists of a mash bill from different grains. However, the Reservoir Rye Whiskey from Virginia is 100 % rye. So, I also used a rather unusual combination of vermouths for the cocktail mixed with it.
The Reservoir Rye Whiskey uses 100 % rye sourced from around Richmond. The malting of the grains takes place at the distillery which was found by Jay Carpenter und Dave Cuttino in 2008. Afterwards the grains are fermented in open-top tanks. Mary Allison then distils the mash on pot-stills and ages the spirit in custom-made 20 litre alligator char quarter casks. The rye whiskey has an ABV of 50 % and is neither coloured nor chill-filtered.
Sherry fruits without sherry
Well, I expected the Reservoir Rye to be good. Yet, I was surprised by the complexity and fruitiness of the taste. Besides the distinct rye spiciness you will find a lot of dried fruits, for example plums and raisins in the flavour. At the same time, the whiskey is smooth despite its 50 % ABV. Contrary to other high rye whiskies I absolutely loved the Reservoir. It might be the opposite of what you would call cheap, but this is one of the few rye whiskies I enjoy drinking neat.
Two vermouths are better than one
Ok, it might be the most exuberant idea of all to combine two different vermouths in a Manhattan. Nevertheless, it does add complexity. I have to admit that I stole the idea from House of Ellixirz who make beautiful bottled cocktails. For this Manhattan variation I combined the Reservoir Rye with Mancino Chinato and Cocchi Dopo Teatro Vermouth. Since, both vermouths are more bitter than regular vermouths I omitted the bitters and instead added a bit of sour cherry liqueur from Vallendar.
1,5 cl Vallendar Sour Cherry Liqueur
1,5 cl Mancino Chinato
1,5 cl Cocchi Vermouth Teadro
Garnish: Three brandied cherries;
Song: Cold War Kids – Luck Down;
The flavour profile of the “Luck Down” is clearly reminiscent of a classic Manhattan cocktail. However, you quickly notice the sour cherry liqueur lending more fruity notes to the drink. The cherry notes work exceptionally well with the Reservoir Rye. I cannot really tell you if the combination of the two vermouths makes a lot of difference in the taste, but I guess the drink would lack complexity otherwise. In conclusion, this Manhattan variation should be enjoyed on cold winter nights next to a warming fire in the fireplace.
*The fact that I received a product reviewed in this article for free, did not – in any way – influence the rating of said product. The Reservoir Rye was provided by the Hanseatische Weinhandelsgesellschaft Bremen.
