On 2013-07-30 23:04:35 +0000, Michael Press said:

> In article <2013073011362094414-xxx@yyyzzz>, gtr > wrote:
>
>> On 2013-07-30 13:24:36 +0000, ViLco said:
>>
>>> Michael Press wrote:
>>>
>>>>> I too stand by white and red, the extra dry has strange flavor,
>>>>> reminds me of green olives, which I don't like in martini.
>>>
>>>> The Dolin blanco is actually rather sweet,
>>>> and I prefer their less sweet extra dry in a martini.
>>>
>>> I'll have to look for this Dolin you both seem to like, tnx
>>
>> It's in many of the upscale bars these days: You might find it there.
>> In the stores it costs twice as much as M&R, but there are suddenly so
>> many boutique vermouths available (around here anyway) that M&R might
>> get greedy too.
>>
>> There seem to be 3 new gin brands at the local Hi-Time, BevMo and Total
>> Wine. Small companies, small-batches, high-prices. I've enjoyed a
>> number of them, but note that Beefeater's remains dramatically less
>> expensive, particularly in the larger vessels. Same for Maker's Mark
>> bourbon. Both are still incredibly high quality spirits. It's a
>> comfort for those of us on a fixed- or no-income finances.
>
> Gin is supposed to be cheap; ask William Hogarth.
> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GinLane.jpg>
> The full resolution picture is a beauty.
>
> I have always favored Tanqueray.

All the good ones are good. This year's favorites are Martin Miller
and Damrak. Neither are dead-on London Dry, for which I currently
prefer the Beefeater's or Tanq.