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Reading some recent comments, I think I tend to agree - the absinthe is not bringing enough to counter the sweeter notes in this and it needs some form of spice and/or bitters in the mix.

I used my "bitters ketchup" of a dash of black walnut variety and it worked pretty well for me.

My favorite Manhattan is 2:1 whiskey to vermouth, with a barspoon of syrup from the cherry jar. After trying this, it's similar, but I think I prefer the cherry syrup to Cherry Heering. The absinthe does add a little extra zing, but I think I prefer angostura bitters too. This one's worth a try, but it's not going to replace my favorite.

As James I indicates, this really brings out the individual ingredients. The Cherry isn’t noticeable per se, more rounds the flavour and adds body. The sweet-astringent-aromatic interplay is great and incredibly moreish, reminiscent for me of a Bobby Burns (could muhduh a piece of shortbread right noo). I added an extra of absinthe for the effect. I had carpano in stock for the vermouth, but a vermouth amaro eg Cocchi dopo Teatro, could also be worth trying. A worthy addition to the Manhattan pantheon.

The flavor combination is good, and stands out as different from others - any fan of Manhattan variants should try this. But I like other similar cocktails better. It's good, but I don't think it is great.

Perhaps our new POTUS should try a few of these and calm down since he likes McKinley and his tariffs so much (sorry Simon I couldn’t resist). Great old school cocktail that is improved with quality ingredients. One and done for the day though.

Bizarre cocktail with flavors I didn't expect. Used Sazerac Rye and Vermut Lustau; Cherry Heering and spritzed the glass with local Vieux Carre absinthe. Chocolate mint and/or chocolate cherry cordial in spades. Quite impressed, oh my... (6 Jul 2023, 8:13a)

Wow. I used a California rye at 117 proof. Great cocktail. Slightly sweet, but not overwhelming. Great balance of flavours. Would have again.