What Makes the Best Bermuda Highball(NOT Goslings)

Cheap vs expensive Bermuda Highball. This is not a Dark 'n Stormy. How much money should you spend to get the best taste?
Bermuda Highball
1oz Brandy
1oz Gin
1oz Dry Vermouth
2-3oz Ginger Ale
Lemon twist garnish
Cheap Version
$0.38 The Christian Brothers VS Brandy
$0.44 Gordon's Gin
$0.20 Gallo Dry Vermouth
$0.10 Ginger Ale
$1.12 TOTAL
Value Version
$0.88 Decourtet VS Cognac
$0.76 Beefeater Gin
$0.20 Gallo Dry Vermouth
$0.10 Ginger Ale
$1.94 TOTAL
Expensive Version
$9.20 Hennessy XO Cognac
$1.72 No.3 London Dry Gin
$0.64 Dolin Vermouth de Chambery Dry
$0.10 Ginger Ale
$11.66 TOTAL

[@kristalsugide9037]

Hmmmm love this

[@allenfinklea9415]

$11.66 is expensive for a cocktail, but that's less expensive than I'd pay for the same drink at a bar so I'm okay with the price. Now I've got to try the Dark 'n' sto..um, I mean Bermuda highball with Hennessy XO and Number 3 gin . You've made it sound so delicious. The problem is I have never seen No. 3 gin in my local liquor stores.

[@DrinkingWithTony]

Maybe a good VSOP cognac would still be nice but drop the price by half. A good gin always seems worth it since they aren't that much per bottle.