"A local restaurant features a Woodford manhattan and I like it. However, I've never ordered a manhattan anywhere else, made with anything else (except for my poor attempts at home). For $8, I think I'm getting a pretty good deal."
Yup, that's a good deal. The 'designer liquor' phenomenon jacks sales, but it doesn't make it taste any better. Woodford is a little lighter than most and I find it kinda mapley. I would cut back on the sweet vermouth a little in this case. IMO usually most bartenders don't use enough vermouth. It gives the drink it's balls. It's not a Martini.