Good vodka, Irish Whiskey and bourbon can be gotten at reasonable prices.

Good Scotch is overpriced, but The Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Glenmorangie are all good scotches and "light" enough for novice Scotch drinkers. Some of the types are very much an acquired taste, such as Islay.

To my tastes Johnny Walker Red or Black, Dewars and others in the same class are crap and taste bad.

Your best bet is to go to a good liquor store and ask them for recommendations.

If you go to bars Jameson's or Bushmill's are always my choice. Good quality at a reasonable price.