I remember all too well that Canadian whisky continued to be *de rigeuer* in Manhattans in regular bars right through the 2000s. The straight rye revival was only just getting started circa 2000, and it took years to build up steam. Bourbon was well into its premiumization journey, but Manhattans weren’t yet, outside the new cocktail bars. 2000 also (roughly) when Lot 40 made its way to the US market—albeit vanishingly—reflecting the start of a parallel renewal within Canadian whisky. I have no idea what highs and lows Canadian whisky could reach in the 1930s, but the 80s/90s/2000s Canadian I was familiar with was generally bland, inoffensive, but also uninteresting on its own. Lot 40 dared to be slightly more interesting, but there was zero danger of it competing with even a Rittenhouse 40 on its own merits, at least not within the Cocktail Renaissance. That said, a Manhattan cocktail made with contemporary Canadian just tastes different and hits different. It arguably deserves its own name.
It's funny to me that in the single- cocktail-history-recipes subject books, which are my favorite (I am re-reading Barnaby Conrad III), there is only maybe one that I know of devoted entirely to the Manhattan (was it Gary Regan who did one?). I wonder if that is because no one thought to devote an actual book to all the Brooklyn neighborhood variations of the aughts or if this cocktail just doesn't strangely captivate us the same way the Martini does.
Ps. We went to London in October 2023 when Becca went for business and had a blast. Satan's Whiskers may be the friendliest bar I have ever been to. The old hotel bars are not all good, but they are unique in their ubiquity compared to NY.
I have about a half dozen bottles of Canadian Club that were my FIL's from the 1950s! Their lables have the years printed on them. I've always wondered if they're still good. We're not whisky drinkers, so there sit, in my cabinet...
The Mix should consider a visit to the "It's a Wonderful Life" Festival in Seneca Falls next holiday season. Fans who love the movie come from all over, there's a museum devoted to the movie and even a bridge, just like Bedford Falls.
I remember all too well that Canadian whisky continued to be *de rigeuer* in Manhattans in regular bars right through the 2000s. The straight rye revival was only just getting started circa 2000, and it took years to build up steam. Bourbon was well into its premiumization journey, but Manhattans weren’t yet, outside the new cocktail bars. 2000 also (roughly) when Lot 40 made its way to the US market—albeit vanishingly—reflecting the start of a parallel renewal within Canadian whisky. I have no idea what highs and lows Canadian whisky could reach in the 1930s, but the 80s/90s/2000s Canadian I was familiar with was generally bland, inoffensive, but also uninteresting on its own. Lot 40 dared to be slightly more interesting, but there was zero danger of it competing with even a Rittenhouse 40 on its own merits, at least not within the Cocktail Renaissance. That said, a Manhattan cocktail made with contemporary Canadian just tastes different and hits different. It arguably deserves its own name.
Based on my experience, 1960s Canadian Club tasted better, but only slightly. It made for a very soft Manhattan.
I love this comment. It seems like yesterday, but that was 25 years ago!
Hi! Are you coming to London on vacation or are you planning any masterclass or book signing event?
We are on vacation! Of course it’s a busman’s holoday.
If in the end you can organise a book signing for subscribers, please let us know, it would be an amazing opportunity.
It's funny to me that in the single- cocktail-history-recipes subject books, which are my favorite (I am re-reading Barnaby Conrad III), there is only maybe one that I know of devoted entirely to the Manhattan (was it Gary Regan who did one?). I wonder if that is because no one thought to devote an actual book to all the Brooklyn neighborhood variations of the aughts or if this cocktail just doesn't strangely captivate us the same way the Martini does.
The only book dedicated to the Manhattan, that I know of, is the one written by Philip Greene.
Ps. We went to London in October 2023 when Becca went for business and had a blast. Satan's Whiskers may be the friendliest bar I have ever been to. The old hotel bars are not all good, but they are unique in their ubiquity compared to NY.
Thanks! We have Satan's Whiskers and many hotel bars on our list.
Thanks for the shoutout, Robert. Much appreciated!
I have about a half dozen bottles of Canadian Club that were my FIL's from the 1950s! Their lables have the years printed on them. I've always wondered if they're still good. We're not whisky drinkers, so there sit, in my cabinet...
One of these days, someone is in for a treat!
Be right over!!
The Mix should consider a visit to the "It's a Wonderful Life" Festival in Seneca Falls next holiday season. Fans who love the movie come from all over, there's a museum devoted to the movie and even a bridge, just like Bedford Falls.
We heard about that when we went to the Jimmy Stewart Museum- one day…❤️
Oh what a shame about Larchmont! Oh well. Will have to make another excuse to drink vintage spirits outside Walter's again.
Yes, quite a shame.