(Taking the day off, sweets.)

In my world, Sarah Palin does not exist. But Big Foots and Chupacabra roam the earth peacefully, along with unicorns and leprechauns. Rainbows are not only gay, they’re sweet when you lick them. And Care Bears tend bar. Gremlins pick up the trash. Punky Brewster is my BFF. And the Pledge of Allegiance is actually Debbie Gibson’s “Out of the Blue.”

After searching the country for the nation’s ultimate well-crafted Manhattans, Woodford Reserve bourbon and Esquire magazine have crowned Jeromy Edwards from Louisville, Kentucky and his “Cider Manhattan” as the “Master of the Manhattan” for 2009.

Edwards’ cocktail was reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts along with the seven other bartenders creations from across the country. Edwards and the other participant’s cocktails were critiqued on creativity, ingredients, presentation and taste. The judges included Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris, Executive Chef Christopher Lee, MixologistJulie Reiner and Spirits Journalist Jack Robertiello. The judging took place at The Manhattan Experience at Esquire Soho in New York City on Monday, Nov. 9.

“There was some stiff competition from the other bartenders, and I didn’t expect to win, but the judges told me they thought my drink really stood out,” said Edwards.  “The whole time in New York was exceptional and I want to thank Woodford Reserve and Esquire for an amazing experience.”

Cider Manhattan Recipe:

2 oz. Woodford Reserve bourbon
¾ oz. Cider Reduction
½ oz. Antica Vermouth
Dash Angostura bitters
Grand Marnier flambéed cherry (preferably Rainier)

Flambée cherry in the martini glass, allowing it to caramelize. Place drink in shaker and turn, don’t shake. Pour into glass after it has cooled.

I had Turducken last night for the first time. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s a combo of turkey, duck and chicken, smattered into one sliced chunk of meat, or poultry, I guess. I didn’t like it but had to try it. Kinda like that threesome in college — I like my meals and bedroom deals one creature at a time. Just kidding! Who can turn down a bacon cheeseburger? Wait … what?

Mondays are for chumps … and chimps that attack or throw poo.

From Flanagan’s beer goddess Ashley Isaacs:

This week we are competing for “The Most Arrogant Bar in America” title and we would like your help!  Of course, in order to help us you have to do nothing more than to drink good beer!  All of this week, we will be running Arrogant Bastard on draft at a discounted price!  And this Thursday, November 12th, we will have 4 glasses and 4 different beers for you to try!  The first brew at 7:00 is none other than Arrogant Bastard. “This is an aggressive beer. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth,” in the words of Stone Brewing Company (but I have faith that you all have the sophistication for it)!  At 8:00, we will tap 2 different kegs of Double Bastard!  You will receive 2 tasting glasses so that you may try them side by side.  We will tap this year’sDouble Bastard and a keg of Dry-hopped Double Bastard!  We are one of only 5 bars in the country to receive a keg of this brew!  How exciting, I can’t wait to try it!  Then at 8:30, we will tap a keg of Oak Aged Arrogant Bastard, the original Arrogant Bastard aged with Oak chips.  This is going to be an amazing night with a burger special that is out of this world!  Just think about the Most Arrogant Burger… the king of all burgers… now think about it topped with beer cheese made with Arrogant Bastard! 

Don’t forget to check out our new calendar with all of our current events, our news letter, and much more at www.osheaslouisville.com.