I've always had a problem finding bars with a decent gin selection. They rarely ever have Hayman's Old Tom! :c
As for the whole bar-hopping thing in general-- I can suffer through places that have sub-par music and mildly annoying crowds (filled with aging frat boys and miserable looking couples) if they have really good bartenders, a patio and an interesting drink selection. There was this one place in Baton Rouge that had an enormous menu of recreated old-timey cocktails, and they were expensive, but wonderful. And likewise, I can tolerate so-so drinks and bad food if the atmosphere of the place is interesting/has a charmingly Lynchian feel or whatever. (And it's always a plus if you feel like you could get stabbed at any moment)
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