Town Hall Brewery’s Manhattan Reserve is a beer that feels tailor made for a slow evening and a proper glass. Inspired by the classic Manhattan cocktail, the beer blends tart Michigan cherries with a Belgian-style Grand Cru that spent time aging in bourbon barrels from two Kentucky distilleries. At 13% ABV, this is firmly in the realm of contemplative sippers, the kind of beer that invites you to settle in and let the layers reveal themselves over time.
Town Hall Brewery Manhattan Reserve
Poured into a snifter, the beer glows a lovely deep crimson red, catching the light with a jewel-like clarity. A foamy white head rises at first before gradually settling down, leaving a thin ring of bubbles clinging to the walls of the glass.
The aroma is immediately inviting. Warm notes of ripe, aged cherries lead the way, followed by light caramel, toffee, and Belgian candi sugar. Bourbon from the barrels gently weaves through the aroma without overwhelming the fruit. As the beer warms, a soft hint of honey begins to appear, adding another subtle layer to the bouquet.
The first sip is smooth and rounded, with a rich malt base coating the tongue. Caramel sweetness mingles with jammy cherry flavors, the fruit bringing just enough tartness to keep the beer lively. Mid palate, the cherry character deepens and blends with touches of candi sugar and light oak. As you swallow, the cherries brighten briefly with a fresh pop before fading into lingering notes of bourbon warmth and gentle whiskey character.
The time spent in two different bourbon barrels clearly helped shape this beer. The oak and whiskey character adds structure and depth, rounding out the sweetness while letting the cherries remain the star. It ends up feeling reminiscent of the cocktail it honors, but with far more complexity and nuance than a simple drink.
A Cocktail Inspired Sipper Worth Slowing Down For
Manhattan Reserve is a beautiful example of how fruit, Belgian malt character, and bourbon barrel aging can work together when handled carefully. The beer is rich without becoming heavy, fruity without drifting into sweetness, and boozy without becoming hot.
It is the sort of beer that evolves as it warms in the glass, each sip revealing a little more depth than the last. A stunning sipper that rewards patience and attention, and a fitting tribute to the cocktail that inspired it.