Oddly, I started my journey in this line of liquors with scotch and have since switched. I believe most people graduate into scotch, but maybe I’m wrong or just an oddball. Either way, below is a breakdown of some of my current recommendations. Please let me know what your favorites are so I can continue to update my list.

Overall Best Bang for the Buck

Buffalo Trace: it is hard to beat Buffalo Trace for the money. It is great served neat or in a cocktail and probably one of the least offensive on this page.

Current Favorites

• Bib & Tucker
• Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
• Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
• Nikka Whisky from the Barrel
• Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye (good value too)

Favorite Ryes

• Whistle Pig Rye
• Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye
• Sazerac Rye

Great Value

• Buffalo Trace
• Benchmark
• Eagle Rare

Most Drinkable

Need something that most people can drink? These are smooth and least opinionated.

• Basil Hayden’s
• Buffalo Trace
• Woodford Reserve
• Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon

Small Distilleries

Obviously this one will likely change the most as I get opportunities to taste more around the globe.

• Hatch - Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
• Bainbridge Battle Point - Bainbridge, Washington

Cocktails

If I’m making a Kentucky Mule, Old Fashion, or Sazerac these are typically my go tos:

• Basil Hayden’s
• Buffalo Trace
• Sazerac Rye
• Bulleit Rye

Honorable Mentions

• 1792 Small Batch
• Four Roses Single Barrel
• Angel’s Envy
• Elijah Craig Small Batch