Manhattan Experience at the Kentucky Derby Museum
Louisville’s best bartenders contended for the title of “Best Manhattan” on Dec. 6 at the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Sponsored by Woodford Reserve and Esquire Magazine – and emceed by The Voice-Tribune’s Angie Fenton – the Manhattan Experience brought out the best mixologists around.
The winner, Karla Ramsey, won over the judges with her Ramsey’s Manhattan, a cocktail she made with bourbon, apple brandy, sweet vermouth, bitters and garnished with an apple slice and cinnamon stick. Karla will take her talents to the Big Apple in early January to represent the Bluegrass State and compete against bartenders from around the country.
photos by Bill Wine | contributing photographer
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- Brenda Wessling, James Raum and Maria Perkins.
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- Sara Havens, David Frick and Lisa Warren.
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- David and Lisa Barker.
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- Mike and Julie Dailey and Joyce and Michael Frevile.
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- Alex Voss and Steve Clements.
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- The Manhattan Experience event was heavily attended.
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- The five Louisville bartenders who competed in the event were Aaron Wood, Karla Ramsey, Jason Burns, Emily Hornback and James Raum.
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- Manhattan cocktails made for a simply beautiful photo.
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- George Lindsey, Sara Havens and Matt Haws were three of the judges. They sample tasted each prepared Manhattan and recorded their notes.
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- Aaron Wood added an ingredient to his Manhattan.
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- Karla Ramsey poured her Manhattan. Her special Manhattan was declared the winner as determined by the five judges.
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- James Raum answered a question from the judges as he prepared his Manhattan cocktail.
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- Emily Hornback was focused as she poured her Manhattan cocktail.
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- Guests watched the bartenders prepare their special Manhattans.
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- Jason Burns prepared his Manhattan cocktail.
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- Lou Conkling and Mary Nixon.
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- Bob Sullivan, Julie Downard and Jane and Sherman Minton.
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- Cathy Johnson and Pat and Barbara McGarry.
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- Andy Martin and Clay Lamb.
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- George and Pam Thompson.
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- Cordell Lawrence,Jr. and Cordell Lawrence, Sr.
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- Monty Hornback, Alisa Zanetti and Michael Cox.
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- Allan Day and Jon Howard.
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- Robert and Leigh Shader.
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- Signage.
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- Brent Smith and Angie Fenton.
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- The buffet table was crowded.
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- Appetizers were served.
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- Andy and Bob Burdette.
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- Jason Burns, Maria Perkins and James Raum.
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- Here’s to You.
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- Dr. Donald and Susan Bennett.
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- Erik Brown and Steve Clements.
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- Adam Hayes and Jolie Carter.
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- Joyce and Michael Freville.
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- Susan Banet and Chris Morris.
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- Tim Laird and Sara Havens were two of the five judges who selected the winning bartender who prepared the best Manhattan.
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- Roger Lewis and David Woods.
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- One of the many displays inside the main event room.
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- Cocktail tables were decorated with Woodford Reserve items and flowers.
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- The podium table displayed Woodford Reserve items.
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- Woodford Reserve signage.
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