Best Whisky for a Manhattan
A Manhattan is built on whisky character — rye's spice or bourbon's sweetness both work brilliantly against sweet vermouth and bitters. These are the community's top picks for the perfect Manhattan.
Quick answer
Rye whiskey is traditional — its spice complements sweet vermouth. Rittenhouse 100, Sazerac Rye, and WhistlePig 10 are the most-used choices. Bourbon Manhattans (Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey 101) are sweeter and rounder — equally valid, just different.
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BlendedThe Sassenach
The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky
$104
BourbonWoodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon
$45
Value Pick
Single PotPowers
Powers John's Lane Release 12 Year Old Single Pot Still
$80
Value Pick
BlendedGlenmorangie
Bailie Nicol Jarvie Blended Whisky
$191
Single PotRedbreast
Redbreast 12 Year Old
$66
Value Pick
Single MaltLagavulin
Lagavulin 16 Year Old
$98
BourbonBlanton's
Blanton's Gold Edition
$133
Single MaltGlenmorangie
Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare (2015 Release)
$253
Single MaltThe Glenlivet
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve
$64
Value Pick
Single MaltTobermory
Tobermory 12 Year Old
$51
Value Pick
BourbonWild Turkey
Wild Turkey 101
$43
Value Pick
Single MaltBruichladdich
Port Charlotte 10 Year Old
$69
Value PickFrequently asked questions
What whisky is best in a Manhattan?
Rye whiskey is traditional — its spice complements sweet vermouth. Rittenhouse 100, Sazerac Rye, and WhistlePig 10 are the most-used choices. Bourbon Manhattans (Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey 101) are sweeter and rounder — equally valid, just different.
Rye or bourbon for Manhattan — which is better?
Traditional Manhattan = rye. The dryness and spice of rye balances the sweetness of vermouth. Bourbon Manhattans are sweeter and more accessible. Neither is wrong — choose based on whether you want a drier or richer drink.