And "mediocre" is being VERY generous. I made the mistake of buying a bottle of Stranahan's. After an attempt at the first glass it became a really high-priced mixer. After trying that, I gave it away. It is, by far, the harshest whiskey/bourbon I've ever tried.
1. Buffalo Trace - hands down the best I've had, WAY underrated.
2. Bulleit Bourbon - gots a little more bite than Buffalo...but really good flavor.
3. Basil Hayden's
4. Booker's
5. ? - haven't bothered to get this far down the list. I've tried lots of others but nothing's made a "Top 5" list yet.
Just my personal choices...but I really don't think you'll be disappointed with Buffalo Trace.