Civilized Spirits’ Bourbon Manhattan

Bottoms Up

By Lynda Wheatley | Oct. 14, 2017

Maybe it’s the towering 24-plate column that master distiller Mike Hall designed for ultimate purity in his spirits. Maybe it’s the vanilla flavor compounds seeping from the oak barrels in which his whiskey marinates alongside oak wood chips. Whatever the cause, the effect is undeniable: The resulting bourbon makes for a maple-syrupy smooth, vanilla-sweet base for a truly mellow Manhattan, one made bright with a little twist of orange, available upon request. Make your own at home or close a day of leaf peeping on Old Mission Peninsula by sipping one fireside at Jolly Pumpkin or Mission Table — Civilized Spirits’ bourbon is made in their shared backyard. Civilized spirits bourbon Manhattan is $8 at Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant and Brewery, 231-223-4333, jollypumpkin.com. Jolly Pumpkin and Mission Table and Tasting Room (231-223-4222, missiontable.net) are located at 13512 Peninsula Dr., Traverse City.