Seems from that list the best I can find is blantons single barrel bourbon.

 

+1 For Ardbeg Uigeadail, Talisker, and Oban

Some of my suggestions:
Evan Williams 18, 23* year bourbons
Old Potrero Rye
Old Potrero 18th Century Whiskey


*upper end of your price guidelines, but if you find it, go for it

 

Bourbons with higher rye content will be harsher I guess?

 

I'm a huge fan of the balvenie double wood 12 year. It's cheap for how good it is. About 50 bucks

 

I wound up getting the blantons. Couldn't find any higher end bourbon locally. Only high end scotch which I don't think he likes as much.

 

Often harsher, not always.

When you get the real spicy notes, and almost a peppery-chew, that's often the rye. The corn in the mash bill will give you the fatness, and some natural sweetness. The oak aging usually gives you color, vanilla notes, and additional spice (like some cinnamon, and some brown sugar - it's really dependent on the mash, barrel, and how the barrel itself is prepped).

 

Ok sounds good. I'm hoping the blantons won't be too harsh of one as I believe it does have a bit of rye content.

 

Blanton's is a sold drink. If he doesn't like it, then chances are he's content with Maker's/Maker's 46.

 

Ok good. I know he was fairly happy with basil Hayden's but think that is a milder bourbon.

 

I'm always late to the game....

Just became a fan of Four Roses single barrel OBSV....

Blantons is a very good bourbon, nice flavor, doesn't burn going down.