We've got all the Weller Special Reserve you could want here in TX for $30/750ml. It's my chief cocktail bourbon because it's so available and I prefer wheated for that. Haven't seen the antique or full proof versions in quite some time though.
If you can snag a bottle of any type of Weller, they are wheated bourbons like Maker's, but much better, imo. They aren't easy to find in a lot of places, though.
If not that, a couple that may not have been mentioned are Michter's and Elijah Criag. They aren't wheated, but are well regarded. Michter's may be another of those that is hard to find, it doesn't stay on the shelf long around here. Elijah Criag might not be a big enough jump from Maker's.
A 1.75L of regualr Makers Mark can be had for $40 and that might just be your best gift.
Agreed. I was going to say the same. It just isn't classy unless you are like best friends and it's kind of a joke. Better off one bottle of nice whiskey as well vs two kinda good.Do not give a handle as a gift. That is just tacky.
Sounds like they don't really have much experience. Honestly, I would give a variety of smaller bottles. Go to bevmo/totalwine and check out what they have available in 375ml size, and get a few different ones. Pack it nicely (find a nice box), would make a good gift.
I'm at the store and their port and sherry finished whiskey selection sucks. I lost count of the million single barrel whiskeys they had and other boutique brand. I went with the Dad's hat to try. I didn't try to check if they had any not in display as they'd be too expensive@waffleironhead had other good suggestions. Anything finished in a Sherry or Port cask has the qualities that I like. It is just that Minor Case is usually the cheapest of that bunch. Minor Case isn't my favorite ever, but for the buck, it is what I go back to. My favorite that I've tried so far is Balvenie Portwood 21 year but that is way out of the price range. https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/scotch/single-malt/balvenie-21-yr-port-wood/p/19089750