> These are available to me:
> Ardmore Bourbon Barrel Symposion Limited Edition - 700mL/$60US
> Wild Turkey Bourbon - 700mL/$34US
> Jim Beam - 700mL/$31US
> Heaven Hill - 700mL/$25US
> Old Rip Van Winkle - 700mL/$50US
> Old Dignity Bourbon - 700mL/$26US
> Four Roses Bourbon - 700mL/$30US
> Kentucky Gentleman Straight Bourbon - 700mL/$29US
> Blanton's Single Barrel - 700mL/$88US
Not much in the middle range. I usually stay away from KY Gentleman, 4 Roses,
and Heaven Hill in the States - they are usually lower end "house" bourbons.
Of what's left, Blanton's is very nice indead, but if you are looking for a
more traditional, less smooth, but very tasty (almost sharp) bourbon, you
might try Old Rip Van Winkle. (I must add, I have never had the RVW 90 proof;
only the 10 yr. and the 15 yr. RVW 107.) My tastes tend to head to the higher
proof bourbons, so take my advice with a grain of salt. (If I wanted tasteless
and subtle, I'd never drink bourbon.)
Never tried the Ardmore or the Old Dignity. It is unfortunate that you may
have to experiment and develop your tastes with such expensive options. There
are many other quality bourbons you haven't listed and, although I do like to
experiment, hate to suggest such pricy tastes. Let the board know what you
try.