OK...
First off: Don't buy or drink anything with any "flavor" added to it. "Fire," "Honey," or any of that crap. That is the cheap crap whiskey that a distillery makes and they add some flavorings to it anad market it to rednecks, fags and women.
Secondly: A whiskey or bourbon doesn't have to be expensive to be good. Don't pay any attention to whiskey, bourbon or scotch snobs who tell you what is good or what to drink. The only thing that matters is your taste buds. And while we are on that subject, don't let people tell you how to drink your whiskey, [As long as you don't drink it with Coke or Sprite or some chit like that.
] Try different whiskeys neat, on the rocks, with a little water or with a little water and on the rocks and see what you like the best. All have their place depending on the whiskey you are drinking. Some need water and some need ice, some need both and some don't need anything.
Thirdly: Look at some of the lower shelves for old familiar brands that are "Bottled in Bond." Each distillery comes out with "Bottled in Bond" editions regularly. In many cases these are very fine limited edition whiskeys whose taste far exceeds their price point. Research what "Bottled in Bond" means.
Fourthly: Whiskeys I like in no particular order or price point...
Blantons [Outstanding, but pricey]
Jeffersons [All are good, but the Sherry cask and the Ocean are outstanding, but pricey.]
Four Roses [The 80 proof is about the best everyday whiskey you can buy, and the 90 proof barrel select is very good. The 100 proof Single Barrel is outstanding.]
Jim Beam [Bottled in bond]
Old Charter [Bottled in Bond]
Old Crow [Bottled in Bond]
Old Granddad [Bottled in Bond. Had some this weekend at the cabin. Unusually good for the price.]
John Emerald Alabama Whiskey [This whiskey is like scotch and bourbon had a love child. Unbelievably good.]
Chattanooga 1816 Whiskey [Both the 90 proof Reserve and the 113 proof Cask are both outstanding]
Wild Turkey 101 [A good solid whiskey]
Buffalo Trace
W.L. Weller [This is an outstanding whiskey at a very reasonable price point. Solid Bourbon that would stand up to anything.]
Old Forester 100 proof [Another solid whiskey at a good price point.]
Woodford Reserve [We toured their distillery and let me tell you, this place and this whiskey is first class all the way. Excellent.]
I have tried all of these and they are all good and I will personally vouch for them. I have tried many more, but can't remember right now, cause I'm tired and sleepy with the time change.
