A note on blending bourbon and rye: Triticale is a grain that is a hybrid of wheat and rye. Some distilleries are beginning to make whiskey from it. I've found that Dry Fly Straight Triticale whiskey makes a very nice Manhattan.

I agree with the 2:1 ratio and the cherry syrup (I typically add about a barspoon). My favorite vermouth is Carpano Antico, and my favorite whiskey is Angel's Envy or Jameson Black Barrel, but to my taste these proportions work well with nearly any bourbon, rye, or Irish and nearly any red vermouth.

One of my very favorites. I use 2:1 whiskey to vermouth. The cherry syrup makes a noticeable difference. I happen to think Fabbri Amarena cherries are just as good as Luxardo, and as a bonus for this drink if you make it often, there's more syrup in the jar. My favorite whiskey is Angel's Envy, but I will use whatever bourbon, rye, or Irish is handy. My favorite vermouth is Carpano Antico, but likewise I'm pretty happy with whatever's available. I also prefer Fee Bros. Old Fashion Aromatic bitters to Angostura, but again, I use what's on hand.

Very nice! I made mine with Hayman's Old Tom, Courvoisier VSOP, Carpano Antico, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, and Fee Bros. orange bitters. My usual is a Manhattan, and I found this dryer, more fruity and more spicy. I happen to have have a bottle of Bols zeer oude genever, and based on some of the other comments I'd like to try substituting that for the Hayman's next time.