This Classic Cocktail is made even better with Richland Rum…but which Rum Expression would you prefer? For starters, it will have to one of the Aged Expressions, and from there any aged expression is a perfect match.
The one you choose really is your personal preference, there is an expression for everyone. For traditionalists, the Classic Reserve Cask Strength never goes wrong and it adds a little more notoriety – this expression was named America’s Best Rum after all, the Imperial Brown Ale (IBA) Cask Exchange for the bourbon conversions, Port Cask Exchange for a tad more sweetness thanks to the bouquet of ripe/sweet red fruits from the port notes, and of course, you can’t go wrong with the Classic Reserve 86.
Next, what would your custom Rum Manhattan look like. Typically a sweet vermouth is added for sweetness and bite, but perhaps you’d want to experiment adding Fernet Branca or maybe a dash of Port Wine.
Last, the bitters. Traditionally, add a few drops of Angostura, try adding a little orange bitter, perhaps something more citrusy, or something sweeter for the sweet tooth? Anything and everything works, make your custom Rum Manhattan.
