This is interesting. I have noticed that you see a lot more manhattans and bourbon based drinks on restaurant menus lately.

On one hand I have always enjoyed MM (on the rocks and wait 5 minutes). I can appreciate that they are trying to maintain a price point. I also appreciate that they told everyone about the change. If it is impossible to tell a difference in taste why make an announcement? Just change the label, and let the public discover that they are missing out on some alchohol percentage.

People will be outraged when they take a look at the label, but by then they will have tasted a bottle and noticed that there was no difference.

Drinkers could switch to Kirkland Burboun around here, it is not quite as sweet or smooth as MM, but is sold at a good price. I have heard it holds its own in mixed drinks, but I don't do that.