Originally Posted by Duke787

The "no" on Buffalo Trace throws me a bit on some of my go-to recommendations -- I think Buffalo Trace is the best value on the market if you can get at MSRP (or slightly above).

It's worth adding Makers Mark to the early testing -- see if she likes wheated bourbon (though that opens the door for Weller which you can't find at the $50 price point, at least in NC). Classic Maker's Mark is solid though it reminds me of drinking far too much on a consulting expense account in my early post-college days. These days I prefer the Cask Strength, Private Selection, or 46 are all very solid but unfortunately will put you in that $50 range instead of the $30 price range that regular MM is in.

Eagle Rare is another one to try (although the Buffalo Trace 'no' throws me off on that one) -- it should MSRP for $35-40 but is $50+ in a lot of places but if you can get at MSRP it's a really good one (it shows up every once in a while in NC at MSRP and I stock up).

Old Forrester is another one that gets touted quite a bit and they have a few offerings that fit into the $30 range. Personally I've never been a big fan (but I also am not a big fan of Four Roses which gets similar hype) so may just be my tastes.

Have you explored much rye? At the $30, I would look at: Sazerac (which can be had for $30-35), Rittenhouse, or Wild Turkey 101 Rye (only 101, the regular Wild Turkey Rye isn't great) -- all solid at the $30 level. If you go up toward $50 both Pikesville and Basil Hayden's Dark Rye are interesting options