Originally Posted by
JoeORD
I'll second (or third?) recommendations for Noilly Prat vermouths. I will try others from time-to-time but generally keep bottles of Noilly around as a staple. In addition, I like that it can be picked up in 375ml bottles since I can't go often through a 750ml bottle in the time it takes for vermouth - even if vacuum sealed and refrigerated - to start going stale.
For (gin) Martinis, I use orange bitters and Regan's is my current favorite.
You've raised two important points: buy vermouth in the smallest size you can get and
keep it in the fridge!
I just priced out my home bar (plus a bottle of Pernod Absinthe, which I should pick up), and it comes to $399 plus tax at Hazel's in Boulder. Not too bad.
And a good excuse to throw a cocktail party.
I will admit to sometimes downgrading bottles for large groups, especially the Leopold's.