This table is from my father-in-law’s house (passed down from his father-in-law as things turn out). After he died, not one of his children wanted it so I got it. Many a time over the years I drank from this little bar so it has a good pedigree. As for Town Branch, I’ve never tried it but will do so tomorrow on my birthday. The liquor store didn’t have any of my favorite bourbons - Old Grand Dad, Wild Turkey to name two - so I tried something new. As for Maker’s Mark, a pal of mine swears by it but I find it too smoky for a regular drinking whiskey. Finally, martinis - that is indeed Martini and Rossi but it is there for my guests. I drink my gin straight, shaken not stirred (!), so it may not even qualify as a martini. I do like some fruit in it, an onion, an olive or a lemon peel twist, but never all three at once!
First, let me say Happy Birthday!
Great story behind the Spirit Locker, and one that I can appreciate. My regular bourbon is Jim Beam, with an occasional fill in by Makers Mark.
As for martinis, my wife makes the best, IMO. Her recipe is 1 tablespoon of vermouth over the ice in the shaker, shake once, and strain it out. Add gin and shake 40 times.Garnish with onion, or olive, and once is a great while a Maytag blue cheese stuffed olive (yes, I have a source). I too like my martinis on the dry side, and have them with straight gin if the vermouth accidentally runs out. I believe that merely saying "vermouth" over the shaker (but not too loudly!) qualifies it as a martini!
