If you want a everyday sipper that can be neat or a mixer without paying a big price look at Very Old Barton. For the money your getting 100 proof. Your getting a nice nose of vanilla and caramel. Your getting these same flavors with some rye spice on the tongue. The mouth feel is not exceptional but for the price it's not bad. You do get some oak and leather at the end. The proof lets you know your drinking bourbon but it's not bitter and doesn't taste like lighter fluid. At the price you pay this is a very respectable and well behaved pour. The proof is high enough to enjoy neat and to stand up to ice or other ingredients in a cocktail.
I bought several bottles so I have it on hand. Also it's affordable enough to share a bottle with friends or coworkers as we get closer to Christmas. When you have friends over a bottle of this can make a few rounds without breaking the bank in the process. Slip it in a blind tasting and it will pass for a bourbon cost double what this does. Buy one bottle and try. Unless you are a bourbon snob who only drinks big name brands you'll be back for more.