The oak really comes through strong on this one, making it very dry and peppery on the front palate. Only on the finish do you get the cherry, which builds and lingers on the palate. The oak really gives this spirit a rye whiskey character, despite its true brandy nature. An esoteric spirit that eludes definition, it will make a Manhattan like no other. Enjoy some tonight for just $32 a bottle at Napa Valley Distillery.
The Cherry Manhattan
served up in a chilled cocktail glass
2 oz Napa Valley Distillery Cherry Brandy
1 oz Carpano Antica
12 drops maraschino liqueur
12 drops Abbott’s bitters or other high quality aromatic bitters
1 Luxardo cherry for garnish
Fill a cocktail shaker half way with ice. Add cherry brandy, Carpano Antica, maraschino liqueur, and 6 drops of bitters. Stir, DO NOT SHAKE, for 20 seconds. Garnish with Luxardo cherry, and strain contents of shaker into glass. Float 6 drops of bitters on top. Classic Manhattan flavor with a big cherry twist!
*Note: An easy way to remember the proportions of the classic Manhattan: Manhattan’s area code. 2-1-2. 2 oz spirit to 1 oz vermouth to 2 dashes bitters.