Best way to drink a good bourbon....?

Question

I just got a bottle of pappy van winkle 20 year reserve as a gift. I'm going to open the bottle in about 1/2 hour. What's the best way to drink it? On the rocks or straight up? Anything in it besides ice?

Also....would this make a good manhattan?

Answer 1

NEAT. No ice. No water. No vermouth. No bitters. No cherry. No nothing.

That's a rare a special bottle. You can make a helluva Manhattan but why? There's an old saying about mixing crap and ice cream:
It does wonders for the crap but it ruins the ice cream.

Just pour it in a snifter or rocks glass and enjoy.

Answer 2

If it's a good bourbon, never contaminate it with anything, even ice. Sounds like sippin' whisky.

You might want it as part of a Kentucky Breakfast. You need the bourbon, a big steak, and a bulldog. The bulldog eats the steak.

Answer 3

Neat and just sip it to enjoy the richness of the taste. If you must put something in it just a splash of spring water. but would be better neat. You might not like it at first but stay with it. It will grow on you. At first just pour about two fingers worth.

Answer 4

Well, I prefer a good Scotch myself, but if you're going to really enjoy the gift, I agree with Pitboss - just sip straight up, too good to mix with anything!!

Answer 5

I have heard it's a very tasty,expensive,and hard bottle to find.Lucky you.

Answer 6

I like a little Red Bull and Crown Royal.

Answer 7

Don't drink it at all. Return it and ask for scotch, instead.
If you don't wish to be so bold, regift it to your boss, and it should be worth a promotion--maybe even THEIR job.
Seriously, all bourbon is rotgut--drink scotch.