You mention Jim Beam, but not the classic Old Overholt? Fine
straight, but the best Manhattan you can make is Old Overholt, sweet
vermouth and Anagostura (sp?) bitters.

For bourbon, Makers Mark, Booker's and Old Rip Van Winkle (tougher to
find, but worth it).

-- wdk

On Sat, 06 Dec 2003 03:02:34 GMT, Blair P. Houghton > wrote:

>The universe finally conspired to place me, $23, and a
>bottle of Wild Turkey 101-proof Rye in the same store.
>
>Got it home, uncorked it, dropped in an ice cube, swirled
>for a bit (have to get that alcohol content down below 35%,
>ya know), and baby, this is the shiznit. For Ryes.
>
>I like rye. It's the original American whiskey. It's a lot
>like Irish whiskeys (which are mostly rye-based, natch). It
>won't supplant your nicer bourbons or scotches, but it fits a
>middle ground between sweetness and peatiness that sometimes
>comprises exactly what you want.
>
>I've been drinking Jim Beam rye for over a decade, and
>sometimes it takes a steely resolve. I liken its bouquet
>to that of a working automotive garage.
>
>But this Wild Turkey is gorgeous.
>
> --Blair
> "Don't go demand-pressuring the
> price up on me, now."