The intelligent investor's guide to spirits

Gin's been sort of forgotten in the liquor craze, "which means there's still value to be had," says Jim Meehan, co-editor of the cocktail book "Mr. Boston." Classic brands like Beefeater and Plymouth, for example, can be found for around $25 a bottle. That's fine, but there are more interesting ones out there. Over the past few years, liquor companies have started selling gins light on juniper and heavy on other exotic ingredients - from ginger to grapefruit - in hopes of luring vodka drinkers. These can be drunk in a cocktail or on the rocks with soda. The best of them pack premium taste into bottles under $35, less than premium flavored vodka.

Our picks:

Plymouth, $26: This English gin is a true classic; it has been made with the same recipe since 1793.

DH Krahn, $30: Its complex East Asian citrus flavor comes from ingredients like lemon zest and Thai ginger.

Hendrick's, $30: Infused with cucumber and rose petal, this Scottish gin won "double gold" at the 2004 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
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