Booker's and Hendricks. For the bourbon, I just ask for a bit of ice, so when it melt I have just the right amount of water. For the gin, just give me a lemon peel.
Actually, CC has been my go-to mixing whiskey for about 30 years, exactly because it's so close to crown in flavor. If I'm having folks over that tend to drink a few, I buy the 1.75l bottle and I don't get any complaints. I'm sitting here drinking crown and CC side by side, mixed 2:1 coke to whiskey. I can tell you for a fact that they do not taste the same to me. The crown is better balanced, and has a little bit of a sweet taste to it that I like. I would have to agree if you made the case that the difference in the taste is not worth the extra cost. But, for my taste, I like the crown better, and I pay the extra price for the bottle I keep for me an my better buds.
Can't go wrong with Patron. I hated tequila until I actually drank some quality stuff. I can sip on Patron all night. I did like the Maker's bottle I got from the suggestions from this board. On the rocks was alright, but mixed, it was smoooooooooth.
