Hi,
I have a lot of experience here-probably more than smoking meat (LOL) but not grilling. Anyway, I find Bourbons to be some of the finest liquor in the world. I had read someplace that some scotches were aged in bourbon barrels. In later years I grew fond of Irish whiskey. Of those I prefer:
Tullamore Dew (so smooth you can drink too much w/o knowing it) &
Jameison's, which you can get in ajug with a handle.
Jim Beam is always a good choice. The Beam Black is a bit harsh.
I would avoid anything with the word "Old: in it-Old Grandad, Old Crow, Old overshoes.
I never could drink much scotch, but found "the Famous Grouse" tolerable.
As to bourbons, of all the sour mash bourbon i prefer, are:
Jack Daniels-the king, but very heavy and overpriced.
Ezra Brooks, 90 proof and not as pronounced as JD, affordable
Evan WIlliams, very affordable but doesn't taste cheap like Bourbon
Have not had Knob Creek but it is expensive.
George D-i-c-k-e-l.
Other Whiskeys like Makers Mark and some of the Irish are very fiery, if you like that effect. In this class also is Wild Turkey, no offense to fans, but a means to an end rather than good sippin' likker. You will gobble.
I like the Tullamore Dew as it is very gentle-Irish whiskeys as a rule are all distilled at least three times. If you are so inclined there are junkets in Ireland called "Whiskey Tours" that you could go on and visit distilleries, and they don't gaurantee you will arrive home sober.
They used to have what they caled "bottled in bond" bourbons" very good, but not for a few years.
What I am saying is don't be shy about trying things not strictly bourbon. We have grown very fond of Gin & Tonics, specially Bombay gin.
