So a follower, Brandon Wilson wants to know my 5 favorite affordable whiskeys. That definition was weaned to be “a buddy asks you’re for an affordable recommendation around $25”. A few thoughts first. Affordable can depend what you buy coming home from getting fired or hired. I like the around $25 number. Next, does it do me any good to list stuff you can’t get? Old Weller 107, Weller 12 year, Elmer? They would have been on my list 6 months ago but not now, they are an apparition on a shelf when /if found. If your lucky enough to see them consider them recommended. It can’t be regional to a couple states Old Charter or Ancient Age 10 Year (hard to find, maybe discontinued) can’t be listed. Eagle Rare 10 Year maybe but too batchy and can’t find it now in many places. It’s got to be priced at the mid range not one that the Taxman has taken an extra big chunk from. Often taxes are by the bottle which seriously messes with the price in some states so Makers Mark in some lucky states might be on the list but not cheap enough to be on the list for all states. So idiots throwing their lists together need to have a bit of brains in doing them. I can also change my mind by the drink so you never know. Here is this idiots list.
Four Roses Small Batch
Elijah Craig 12 Year
Evan Williams Vintage Single Barrel
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Ridgemont 1792 (Barton)

Honorable Mention Rye
Rittenhouse 100 (yes, I can find it and its still $10 less than the crazy Baby Sazerac with the price increase and allocation issues).