I'm backing Will Baude on the Manhattan. First of all, Will lives in the city of Broad Shoulders, where there is no branch water. So Feddie's objection is inapposite and fundamentally flawed (unless Feddie drinks his bourbon with tap water, in which case, I say, Suh! Of all the indecent .....) But I'm sure that Feddie doesn't drink his bourbon with tap water. Just as I'm sure that he doesn't use instant grits.

Second, Brock's recommendation of Weller Special Reserve on the rocks I've never had. Mayhap it is good.

All I know is that there are certain bourbons which are so fine, that drinking them in any fashion often beats making tedious small talk with the most beautiful girl in the world. These are: Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, Baker's, Booker's, Woodford Reserve, Jefferson's Reserve, and perhaps one or two others. But all make a fine Manhattan (I prefer Knob Creek, for the extra spice and kick) and a fine bourbon-and-soda, the most vivifying fizzy drink that's not champagne. That's right, soda. As in club soda.

But no bourbon equals Springbank 10yr single malt.