I love them, mostly because I adore olives. I'm actually partial to the Gibson, though.

Since my original post in this thread, my martini world has expanded to include dirty martinis. Sometimes I'm just in the mood for one. I can't explain it--I know when I'm getting a martini as to whether I'd like it dirty or with a twist--I don't really the in-between. I like it either bitingly briny or citrusy. I still like 'em extra dry though ;)

I've been on a big "dirty marty" kick lately.

I'm actually a vodka martini kind of girl. 4/1 ratio--four parts vodka, and one moment of silence for the vermouth. Add brine and some garlic-stuffed olives...it's a good night. :-)

I tended bar for many years. Drank a few martinis, made tons more. After thousands of drinks, I discovered the perfect cocktail.

First, get a bottle of whiskey
http://internationalcellars.com.au/i...niels%201A.jpg

Second, get a glass
http://secure.ablekitchen.com/v/vspf...LG-15240-2.jpg

Third, pour whiskey in glass
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/...ur_whiskey.jpg

And that's it.
http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/w...08/05/neat.jpg

You've got booze pure and unadulterated, just as God intended. Everything else is just a variation of the "little paper umbrella" theme.

A Jack-tini? Sounds like the perfect drink for a night in crying with a revolver in your left hand.

A common misconception. Whiskey is happy booze :D

A friend of mine took super cheap vodka, added 4 grape jolly ranchers and left it for a week. We all tried it. It tasted like burning grapes searing my throat. It was disgusting.

As for martinis, sign me up for a dirty martini! I love olives so the more the better for me. I don't like gin in anything else.