Woodford Reserve bourbon and Liquor.com announce the kickoff of their second annual Manhattan Experience, a bartender competition which gives talented mixologists the chance to showcase their skills by shaking up their own unique twist on the classic Manhattan. Taking place in 30 markets around the country, the program features local events that will select a winner from each region during the month of October. The Manhattan Experience will culminate in a national finale event for six finalists on January 12th in New York.
Winners from each regional event will be given an all-expense paid trip to the Woodford Reserve Distillery, for an immersive bourbon experience hosted by Master Distiller Chris Morris. During this trip, the six finalists who will advance to the finale event will be announced. In addition, the national winner will receive a feature on Liquor.com, as well as a trip to San Francisco for a photo and video shoot.
Building off of the success of last year’s search, the 2014 Manhattan Experience marks the first time the brand has partnered with the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG), to bring the Manhattan Experience to each market’s top talent. A national organization dedicated to the empowerment and support of the bartending industry, USBG will be joining forces with Woodford Reserve and Liquor.com for this year’s program, “As a group, USBG is dedicated to giving bartenders around the country the support they need to advance their craft,” says David Nepove, President of USBG. “By working with our national network of local chapters, USBG is thrilled to join forces with Woodford Reserve and Liquor.com to help get the word out about this program and find the country’s best Manhattan.”
This year, the Manhattan Experience will be taking place in: Annapolis, Atlanta, Boston, Charleston, Chicago, Cleveland, Connecticut, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kentucky, Los Angeles, Miami/South Beach, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, ME, Portland, OR, Providence, San Diego, San Francisco, Savannah, St. Louis, Tampa/Orlando, and Washington D.C.
For those looking to enjoy this classic cocktail, Woodford Reserve recommends their perfect Manhattan recipe:
Woodford Reserve Classic Manhattan
2 oz. Woodford Reserve
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes Woodford Reserve bitters (where available)
Garnish with a bourbon-infused cherry
Fill mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice, add ingredients and shake or stir according to your own preference. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.
For more information, please visit www.woodfordreserve.com.
