These are good and inexpensive. I don't drink anymore but when I did these 3 and crown royal were my top shelfMaker's Mark
Buffalo Trace
Knob Creek
I am not much of a Whiskey person, but I really like Southern Comfort chilled and straight. But awesome in Dr Pepper.
I more of a tequila person. I absolutely love the Don Julio line of tequila. Patron Silver is also very good. I would suggest Margaritaville Lime tequila to 1st time tequila drinkers, on the sweet side and a lime taste.
Don Julio is amazing... Had it in Mexico and brought all I was allowed to back with me. I think it was about $14 for a fifth!!!
I think it's in the $40-$50 range here but even worth that much.
Ah, there are so many.
For rum, my favorite is Rhum Barbancourt. Take that one for what it's worth.
Whiskies, I know a bit about.
For rye, I prefer Sazerac, Russel's Reserve, or Michter's, but Bulleit makes a nice one as well and really, the Jim Beam is not horrible - they make a better rye than they do a bourbon.
For Irish whiskey, I suggest Red Breast.
Too many bourbon favorites -
Wild Turkey Tribute, Kentucky Spirit, Rare Breed, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Pappy van Winkle (the 23 yo is too expensive for me, but the 20 yo is very nice), Elijah Craig (12 yo is a better bargain than the 18 yo), Booker's, Baker's, Blanton's, Basil Hayden's, A.H. Hirsch, Harrison (from Indiana), Ezra B., Wathen's, Rowan Creek...
All of these are top notch bourbons. Some are softer and sweeter (the wheated bourbons), others are hotter and spicier (the rye bourbons). You definitely will have to find which of the differing bourbon characters are more to your taste.
I keep trying to like Scotches, and I am partial to a Brookladdich, but I don't drink them like I do the above whiskies.
What does Red Breast run?