38 finalists were invited to Kentucky for the competition and a one-of-a-kind experience 

Woodford Reserve Distillery has unveiled the winner of its Manhattan Experience, bartender Patty Dennison from New York City. 

Returning this year, in-person, the national competition aims to bring together some of the most talented mixologists from the US and Canada. 

This year’s competition saw nearly 1,000 industry professional entries from around the country, across 38 local market competitions, for the chance to win the top spot. A finalist from each city or region went on to spend the week in Kentucky as part of a one-of-a-kind experience in Louisville and at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. 

“It was a phenomenal experience to have some of the country’s best up-and-coming bartenders here in Kentucky for the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Experience,” explained Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve master distiller. “The competitors really did an amazing job leveraging Woodford Reserve’s 200+ flavors to create Manhattan variations and unique cocktails.”

Woodford Reserve is the sponsor of the Manhattan Experience. The competition allows mixologists to showcase their skills, as well as challenges them to delve deeper into the profile of the Manhattan and its ingredients. This national cocktail competition welcomes talented mixologists as they create their own unique twist on the classic cocktail. 

Dennison won the title of “The Master of the Manhattan” with her Manhattan interpretation, “Breaking News”, and her two original cocktails “Low Ryze” and “Second Helping.”

“It is so exciting to work with such an iconic brand, and compete alongside such talented and amazing bartenders,” Dennison said. 

The judging panel saw the return of esteemed industry tastemakers Julie Reiner, Charles Joly and Jacques Bezuidenhout.

The other top five finalists include Courtney Moy (Boston), Kat Parsons (Oakland), Roger Fruin (Detroit), Jonathan Stanyard (Seattle), S.C. Baker (Louisville). 

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