Allison Widdecombe Shows Manhattan How Its Cocktail Is Done

Rockstars come in all sorts of shapes and sizes but few are as good looking and talented at Allison Widdecombe of Williams & Graham. Last night in New York City, the star bartender won the national Woodford Reserve competition for the Best Manhattan. Widdecombe's winning recipe combined two ounces of Woodford Reserve with oolong tea-infused Ruby Port, cardamom-infused Amer Nouvelle, and just a little Fernet Branca.

"I'm so honored to have been selected as the winner of this year's Manhattan Experience," says Widdecombe. "The judges were looking for cocktails that encompass not just a great taste, but a great experience as well. To have been recognized by a brand as well respected as Woodford Reserve is truly amazing." Widdecombe has said that her original recipe was a twist on the classic, with alternative ingredients that replicate the classic Manhattan's blend of sweet, dry, bitter, and bourbon-forward flavors.

"Allison's recipe was truly one of a kind, and we're proud to name it as this year's winner," says Woodford's master distiller Chris Morris.

As winner, Widdecombe will receive a feature article on leading industry publication Liquor.com, as well as a trip to San Francisco for a photo and video shoot that will live on the Liquor.com site. Following regional events around the country, last night brought together this year's six finalists, who represented Denver, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Portland, and San Francisco.