The Negroni has always been popular in SF. Usually when I get a bad one, the bartender's shorted the sweet vermouth. It has to be 1/3 -1/3 -1/3. The SV gives the drink a fullness & complexity. I don't think the quality of the gin is particularly important. The sweet vermouth is though - best with an aged one like Carpano Antica. BTW, I like your bourbon for gin swap. I'll try one tonight.