Bartenders know their whiskey, including the best bargain brands. Christopher Osburn of Uproxx got some good intel when he hit up North American watering holes and dining rooms for budget winter bourbon suggestions.

Ice cubes optional

In Huntington Beach, California, Pacific Hideaway bartender Casey Lyons prefers Old Grand-Dad, calling the Beam Suntory issue spicy and bright. “Throw it between two expensive eyes during a tasting and watch your friends lose their minds.”

For Felipe Ojeda, beverage director at Miami Beach’s The ScapeGoat, make it an Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage from Kentucky-based Heaven Hill Distillery. “It’s both nutty and smooth, and at 43.3% ABV it’s not too alcoholic but still has a kick,” he says. “It’s a single barrel expression, so it has a lot of character worth enjoying with a good cigar.”

At Brasserie by Niche in St. Louis, Kentucky stalwart Old Forester keeps bartender Melinda Cooper happy: “Ice cubes optional—Old Fo doesn’t need anything at all to be delicious.”