Mixer whiskies

@Pudge72 To be honest, I don't mix that much. Only in summer, when it's really hot, will I be tempted. I do fancy a sweet Cola with Jack Daniel's Old No. 7. And you might want to try a ginger ale with Auchentoshan Classic as well.

@Pudge72 Generally any of the cheap whiskies work well enough for mixing. Canadian Club, JW red and Jim Bean/ JD are fine. Its rare you'll get someone who can tell which whisky is what through a mixer, especially coke, anyhow :)

While the 2 bourbons you listed are very good mixers, I personally prefer Knob Creek for cocktails. It is not one of my favorite bourbons, but after tasting it in cocktails at a couple of bars I have grown to appreciate it as a mixer.

About the only Scotch based cocktail I drink is a Rob Roy and I really enjoy those made with either Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 (I know you said blended, but these are what I use)

And while you didn't mention them, Rittenhouse BIB is my go-to rye for mixed drinks, though occasionally I will have a Sazarac made with Sazarac.

@Pudge72, compassboxwhisky.com/greatkingstreet/

The Great King St. by Compass Box was made to be a Mixer Whisky. I had some at a tasting. Dangerously smooth as a Highball in hot weather. Its not available in US but should arrive soon.

Maker's Mark is a good mixing bourbon indeed.

I am not big on the standard Maker's Mark for sipping, but for Manhattans it is excellent.

I mix with dewars alot but mostly because its in the well of the bar.
We have some specaility cocktails on our bar menu. We have one using bulliet bourbon, it pairs so well with citrus and honey flavors. Its bulliet, honey syrup, blood orange juice and orange bitters, its called a Bloody Bulliet.
On the other end of the spectrum we have a cocktail made with Laphroiag. Its nectarine puree, fresh squeezed lemon juice and laphroaig. The name of this cocktail is Nectarine Smoke.

I figure I'll repost my response to your question here, because even though it's on WWW, not everyone here is a member of that forum too. And, after all, it is a very good question, @Pudge72.

For the Canadian category, I like Alberta Premium (lots of character, great price, and drier than Forty Creek). For bourbon, I'd go with Jim Beam Black or Wild Turkey, as I find the standard Maker's Mark too hot and without sufficient character to stand up in a mix. You might also consider Rittenhouse BIB, as it's an awfully bourbon-like rye, and if you're willing to fork out a few extra bucks, Elijah Craig 12, Buffalo Trace (when it's available), or Sazerac rye would all mix beautifully—they're also excellent sippers, to boot.

Finally, If you're willing to cross the border over to the US, the best deal might be a handle of Evan Williams Black. You can buy a litre for about $11-15, and so even with duty it's a better deal than anything you can buy in Ontario.

Thank you everybody for your feedback on this one...some of the drink suggestions sound awesome! I'm leaning towards Maker's Mark as 'whiskyJoe' and I have had success with it in a whiskey sour, Jim Beam or Evan Williams Black would likely be the rye-based mixer options, while Alberta Premium will likely be the way to go for recipes that specify Canadian whiskey (thanks, 'dbk' for that suggestion). Dewar's may be the go-to option for a blended scotch.

I'm still pondering, and am happy to be educated, so keep on suggesting!