-Jameson is cheap and widely available, at least around here in the EU. It's a safe bet usually. It's the most generic good whiskey you can get.
-Laphroaig is not that expensive and really very nice imo, IF the person happens to like the very very smokey flavour and smell. Some hate that taste, so be careful.
*Connemara is kinda like a laphro-wannabe, also smokey but cheaper usually.
-Glenlivet is pretty good and reasonably priced still, but the 12 yo (light blue box) is a bit harsh. If you can find some older like 16yo for the budget, that's much smoother.
*Glenfiddich is a better alternative I think, but it's usually more pricey around here, and rather rare.
-Akashi (Japanese) single malt is more on the expensive side but should still fit in the budget. It's kinda strong at 46% alk. vol., but if the person happens to like the cold hit of evaporating alcohol, it's a very nice whiskey.
-The Koshi-No Shinobu is a cheap-ish "Japanese" whiskey that comes in many versions. I have the pure malt version. It's kinda not great without ice, but on the rocks it's remarkably smooth. Should work well with mixing.
And that's all have next to my gaming/work desk at the moment lol. (except for the * ones) And yes, most of em are near empty, as is the TEST way requires!
I wish I could remember what I had when last time I went to the bar with friends, but it was ages ago. It was sooo amazingly smooth! and was also very expensive lol
