I've been given a bottle of Basil Hayden's for Christmas and it is excellent. I usually order Maker's in bars as it is a sure thing but I'm going to start asking for Basil.

As for American whiskies I order Jack or Jim reflexively in bars or on planes -- prefer Jim actually -- but at home I buy and drink Evan Williams. Most of the palate for a fraction of the price, especially if you are mixing it. The Green Label goes in Cokes.