The perfect Manhattan or Old Fashioned is more than just whiskey and bitters; it’s about the details. And few details are as important as the cherry. For many discerning cocktail enthusiasts, the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Cherry is the gold standard. But what exactly makes these cherries so special? Are they a specific variety? Are they simply processed in a unique way? Let’s unravel the mystery and explore the fascinating world of Woodford Reserve cherries.
The Luxardo Connection: More Than Just a Brand Name
The key to understanding the Woodford Reserve cherry lies in its origins: it’s not actually a Woodford Reserve product in terms of cultivation and processing. Instead, it’s a Luxardo Marasca cherry, a product of the famed Italian distillery and cherry experts, Luxardo. Woodford Reserve partners with Luxardo to create a bespoke cherry specifically for their brand, but the foundation remains the same: the exquisite Marasca cherry.
Luxardo is a name synonymous with quality and tradition in the world of preserved cherries. Established in 1821, the company has a long and rich history of cultivating and processing Marasca cherries, using methods passed down through generations. Their dedication to quality is evident in every jar, and it’s this commitment that makes them the ideal partner for a premium brand like Woodford Reserve.
Understanding the Marasca Cherry
The Marasca cherry, scientifically known as Prunus cerasus var. marasca, is a small, dark, slightly sour cherry native to the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and northeastern Italy. This particular varietal is prized for its unique flavor profile, which balances sweetness with a subtle tartness and a distinctive almond-like note. This complexity makes it far more interesting than your average grocery store cherry and contributes significantly to the overall experience of a well-crafted cocktail.
The Marasca cherry’s distinct flavor isn’t just a matter of genetics. The specific terroir – the soil, climate, and environment in which it grows – plays a vital role. The unique growing conditions of the Luxardo orchards contribute to the cherry’s characteristic taste and texture. These cherries are smaller and darker than other varieties, and they possess a firmer flesh, allowing them to hold their shape during the preservation process.
From Orchard to Jar: The Luxardo Process
The journey from the Marasca cherry orchard to the Woodford Reserve jar is a meticulous one, involving time-honored techniques and a commitment to preserving the cherry’s natural qualities. Here’s a glimpse into the Luxardo process:
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Harvesting: The cherries are harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring maximum flavor and sweetness. This is a crucial step, as the quality of the cherries directly impacts the final product.
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Candying: After harvesting, the cherries are candied in Marasca cherry juice, a natural preservative that enhances their flavor and extends their shelf life. This process involves slowly saturating the cherries with a sugar syrup derived from the cherries themselves.
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Packaging: Finally, the cherries are carefully packed in a heavy syrup, also made from Marasca cherry juice, and a small amount of Luxardo Kirsch (cherry liqueur), adding another layer of flavor and complexity. It’s this final touch that truly sets Luxardo cherries apart.
The Woodford Reserve Difference: A Bespoke Cherry Experience
While the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Cherry is based on the Luxardo Marasca cherry, there are subtle differences that make it unique. These differences are the result of Woodford Reserve’s collaboration with Luxardo to create a cherry that complements their bourbon’s flavor profile.
Slightly Less Sweet, Perfectly Balanced
Compared to the standard Luxardo cherries, the Woodford Reserve version is often described as slightly less sweet. This subtle adjustment is intentional, designed to prevent the cherry from overpowering the other flavors in a cocktail. The lower sugar content allows the bourbon’s nuances to shine through, creating a more balanced and harmonious drink.
The balance of sweetness is a crucial element. Too much sweetness can mask the bourbon’s complexities, while not enough can leave the cherry tasting bland. Woodford Reserve has carefully calibrated the sweetness level to achieve the perfect equilibrium.
The Power of the Cocktail
Ultimately, the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Cherry is designed to elevate the cocktail experience. Its nuanced flavor profile, firm texture, and beautiful appearance contribute to a drink that is both visually appealing and exceptionally delicious. Whether you’re enjoying a classic Manhattan, an Old Fashioned, or a more creative cocktail, these cherries add a touch of sophistication and indulgence.
When added to a cocktail, the Woodford Reserve cherry doesn’t just sit there; it infuses its flavor into the drink, adding a layer of complexity that complements the other ingredients. The subtle almond notes and the slightly tart finish provide a counterpoint to the bourbon’s richness and the bitters’ spice.
More Than Just a Garnish
It’s important to remember that the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Cherry is more than just a garnish; it’s an integral part of the cocktail. Its quality and flavor contribute significantly to the overall drinking experience, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted cocktail.
For serious cocktail enthusiasts, the Woodford Reserve cherry is a must-have. It’s a testament to the power of quality ingredients and the importance of attention to detail. When you choose a Woodford Reserve Manhattan Cherry, you’re choosing a cherry that has been carefully cultivated, processed, and selected to enhance your drinking experience.
Where to Find Woodford Reserve Manhattan Cherries
Finding these prized cherries might require a bit more effort than your average grocery store run. But the search is worth it.
Specialty Retailers and Online Sources
You’re most likely to find Woodford Reserve Manhattan Cherries at specialty liquor stores that carry a wide range of cocktail ingredients. These stores often stock premium products that you won’t find in larger supermarkets. Additionally, many online retailers specialize in gourmet foods and cocktail supplies. Amazon, for example, often carries Woodford Reserve cherries, as do websites dedicated to bar supplies.
Check the Bourbon Aisle
Sometimes, liquor stores will display these cherries near the Woodford Reserve bourbon itself. It’s a strategic placement to encourage pairings.
Beware of Imitations
Due to their popularity, there are many imitators on the market. Always check the label carefully to ensure you’re purchasing the genuine Woodford Reserve Manhattan Cherries. Look for the official Woodford Reserve branding and the Luxardo name somewhere on the packaging. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
The Last Drop: Elevating Your Home Bar
In conclusion, the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Cherry is not just any cherry. It’s a carefully selected and processed Luxardo Marasca cherry, tailored to complement the flavor profile of Woodford Reserve bourbon and elevate the cocktail experience. Its slightly less sweet flavor, firm texture, and beautiful appearance make it a worthwhile addition to any home bar, especially for those who appreciate the finer details of a well-crafted cocktail. So, next time you’re mixing up a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, reach for the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Cherry and experience the difference that quality ingredients can make. You’ll be glad you did.
What distinguishes Woodford Reserve cherries from ordinary maraschino cherries?
Woodford Reserve cherries, crafted by Luxardo, stand apart from standard maraschino cherries primarily due to their flavor profile and production methods. Traditional maraschino cherries are often bleached, artificially colored, and heavily sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, resulting in a bright red color and a cloying, one-dimensional taste. Woodford Reserve cherries, on the other hand, retain their natural dark red hue and possess a complex, nuanced flavor.
Luxardo cherries are candied with sour Marasca cherries and are preserved in a syrup of their own juice, providing a rich, intense cherry flavor with hints of almond. The Woodford Reserve collaboration further refines this by selecting cherries of a specific size and maturity level to achieve a particular textural quality and flavor intensity that complements Woodford Reserve bourbon, resulting in a superior garnish for cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Are Woodford Reserve cherries truly made by Luxardo, or is it just a branding association?
Woodford Reserve cherries are indeed crafted by Luxardo. This is not merely a branding association but a genuine partnership between the two companies. Luxardo, a renowned Italian distiller famous for its Maraschino liqueur and candied cherries, supplies the specific type of cherries used in Woodford Reserve’s cocktail garnishes, adhering to specific quality standards agreed upon by both parties.
The collaboration leverages Luxardo’s expertise in cherry preservation and candying techniques to deliver a product that meets Woodford Reserve’s requirements for enhancing the flavor profiles of their cocktails. This collaboration involves careful selection and processing of the cherries to ensure the consistent quality and taste expected by consumers and bartenders alike.
What type of cherry is used in Woodford Reserve cherries?
The specific type of cherry used in Woodford Reserve cherries is the Marasca cherry. This variety is native to the Marasca region of Croatia and is prized for its tart, slightly bitter flavor. These cherries possess a firmer texture and a more pronounced cherry flavor than many other types of cherries, which makes them ideal for candying and preserving.
Luxardo cultivates and processes these Marasca cherries using traditional methods that preserve their natural characteristics. This focus on quality ingredients and slow candying processes is crucial to producing the unique flavor profile that distinguishes Luxardo cherries, and subsequently, Woodford Reserve cherries, from generic maraschino cherries.
What makes Luxardo cherries, in general, so expensive compared to other cherry brands?
The higher price of Luxardo cherries stems from several factors related to their production, ingredients, and quality control. Unlike mass-produced maraschino cherries, Luxardo uses the high-quality Marasca cherries from their own orchards. The cultivation and harvesting of these cherries are labor-intensive and involve strict quality controls.
The candying process itself is lengthy and requires careful monitoring to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Furthermore, Luxardo cherries are preserved in a syrup made from their own cherry juice, adding to the cost. These factors, combined with the brand’s reputation for quality and consistency, contribute to their premium price point, positioning them as a luxury ingredient favored by discerning bartenders and consumers.
How should Woodford Reserve cherries be stored to maintain their quality?
To maintain the quality of Woodford Reserve cherries, proper storage is essential. Unopened jars should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat. This helps to prevent any degradation of the cherries and preserves their flavor and texture.
Once opened, Woodford Reserve cherries should be refrigerated in their original syrup, ensuring that the cherries are fully submerged. This prevents them from drying out and also inhibits the growth of any mold or bacteria. With proper refrigeration, opened jars can generally last for several months, retaining their quality and flavor.
Can Woodford Reserve cherries be used for baking or cooking, or are they only for cocktails?
While Woodford Reserve cherries are primarily known for their use in cocktails, their rich flavor and texture also make them suitable for baking and cooking applications. Their intense cherry flavor adds a distinctive touch to desserts, such as cakes, brownies, and ice cream.
The syrup from the jar can also be used to add a cherry flavor to sauces or glazes. However, it is important to note that their intense flavor may be overpowering in certain dishes, so it’s best to use them sparingly and adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences. Their firmer texture also makes them ideal to retain their shape when baked or cooked.
Are there any suitable substitutes for Woodford Reserve cherries in cocktails?
While Woodford Reserve cherries offer a unique flavor profile due to their Luxardo origin and specific processing, several alternatives can be considered if they are unavailable or if a different flavor nuance is desired. Look for other brands of high-quality, imported Marasca cherries, as these will offer a similar deep cherry flavor and firm texture.
Alternatively, you can consider using homemade candied cherries or even fresh, pitted cherries macerated in a liqueur like Kirsch. Ultimately, the best substitute will depend on personal preferences and the specific flavor profile sought in the cocktail, but understanding that Luxardo brings specific characteristics to Woodford Reserve cherries is crucial to finding an appropriate alternative.