I'm buying a lot of liquor & I want suggestions

[augie00]

When I get back to school in three days, I'm going to get my buddy to go on a gigantic liquor run for me. I'm looking to spend $350-$400 on liquor, and I'd like some suggestions on what I should buy. Here's a list of what I already have, and what I'm getting for sure.

ALREADY HAVE:
Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth
McCormick Gin
Southern Comfort
Du Bochett Blackberry Brandy

GETTING FOR SURE:
Romana Sambuca
Absolut Vodka (Vanilla and Regular)
Jager

I'd specifically like a suggestion on a good gin, and a good scotch.

The more exotic the better. However, Peoria is only 300,000 people, so I may not be able to find anything. In fact, sometimes I can't even find sambuca.

Please don't say GET HYPNOTIC CAUSE IT TASTES LIKE KOOL-AID or BACARDI RAZZ IS THE BEST. I'm looking for something I may have never tried and will enjoy. Extra points if you have a suggestion that also can make several tasty cocktails.

Edit: Also, does anyone know the legality of absinthe in the US? I might try to bring some back from Denmark if possible.

[DangerGoodson]

if money isnt a huge matter, u can't beat grey goose (Vodka), Bombay (Gin), and jagermeister.

[lapoker17]

Belvedere & Crown Royal.

[augie00]

[ QUOTE ]
Belvedere & Crown Royal

[/ QUOTE ]

What is that? What does it taste like?

[ThaSaltCracka]

vodka and bourbon.

[augie00]

What kind of bourbon? I need specifics!

[wacki]

In college Osco vodka treated me very well. And only $8 a handle! Amazingly, it was actually pretty good stuff. For rum, Petu. For wine, Yellow tail, Blue Moon, Mo Zin, and Little Bear. Makers mark, grey goose, chopin, Remi Martin, Hennessy all mandatory.

[ThaSaltCracka]

[ QUOTE ]
What kind of bourbon? I need specifics!

[/ QUOTE ]I have no clue.

[nothumb]

I'd get a bottle of Jameson 12 year. Not exotic, just good whiskey.

For scotch, Laphroaig (sp?) is pretty good... if you're just going to party scotch isn't a drink to break into now. If you're trying to have a well-stocked bar and expand your tastes it's worth it, but super expensive.

I'd get a top-shelf bottle of tequila like Patron (silver or gold, either is great...) if you can find it. Other good tequilas include El Tesoro (strong, mid-priced, great stuff), Herradura (try the reposado) Don Julio, etc. The difference between these and something gross like Sauza or Cuervo is huuuuuuuge.

For gin, Tanqueray Ten is good for martinis. Not even worth the price if you're just going to mix it with tonic.

For girly drinks, get some Chambord. Always good to have some Chambord around.

There are others, I'm bored.

NT

[augie00]

Great post!

[ QUOTE ]
if you're just going to party scotch isn't a drink to break into now. If you're trying to have a well-stocked bar and expand your tastes it's worth it, but super expensive.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's exactly why I'm asking, I'm trying to expand my tastes, but I don't know where to start.

[ QUOTE ]
For girly drinks, get some Chambord. Always good to have some Chambord around.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is chambord a drink by itself, or is it used to make cocktails? If it's used to make cocktails, what should I get to mix it with?