Cask Manhattan Recipe

Inspired by Soma Grille

Time30m

Serves1

Woodford Reserve, Carpano Antica & Angostura. Aged at Soma in Oak Barrel

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Ingredients

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1
Combine base
In a clean mixing vessel combine Woodford Reserve (2.25 oz) and Carpano Antica (0.75 oz). Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters. If you prefer a slightly rounder, softer finish, add 0.125 oz (about 1/8 oz) simple syrup. Stir briefly to incorporate.
2
Prepare barrel
Ensure the small oak barrel or oak stave is clean and sanitized. If using a barrel, fill it with the combined spirit mixture leaving minimal headspace. If using an oak stave, place the stave in a tightly sealed glass container with the spirit mixture.
3
Seal and age
Seal the barrel or container and store in a cool, dark place (Soma's oak barrel environment). Allow the mixture to rest and extract oak character. For subtle oak influence, age 1–2 weeks; for moderate oak and rounded integration, age 3–6 weeks. Sample with a sterilized dropper every 5–7 days to monitor flavor development.

4
Dilute and chill
When the barrel-aged blend reaches your desired balance of oak, sweetness, and spice, decant enough for service. Chill a mixing glass by filling it with ice briefly, then discard melt. Add 2.25 oz of the aged Woodford/Carpano blend and 0.75 oz additional Carpano Antica only if the aged blend lost vermouth brightness during aging (optional—adjust to taste). Add 3 dashes Angostura bitters if you prefer a slightly stronger aromatic note.
5
Stir
Fill the mixing glass with fresh large ice cubes. Stir the spirit mixture for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted (target ~20–25% dilution by eye/experience). Stirring time will vary with ice size and temperature; the glass should be very cold and slightly viscous.
6
Prepare glass
Place one large ice cube or sphere in a chilled old-fashioned or rocks glass.
7
Strain
Using a julep or Hawthorne strainer, strain the stirred Manhattan into the prepared glass over the large ice cube.
8
Garnish
Express the oils of an orange peel over the drink by holding the peel skin-side down above the glass and giving it a quick twist; then rub the peel along the rim and drop it into the drink. Optionally add a Luxardo cherry on a pick.
9
Serve
Serve immediately. Recommend tasting and noting the barrel influence; bottles or remaining aged blend should be stored sealed and refrigerated or kept in the barrel for subsequent services.