The only whisky on this list that I've heard about is Old Forester. I have some in my cupboard now and it is very fine.
I also have some Lagavulin 16 that I'm not so happy with. The smokiness doesn't quite mix with the sweetness from the sherry casks. I prefer Ardbeg. Ardbeg An Oa is very good. Its smokiness and sweetness combine to hint at licorice.
I also have a bottle of Old Midleton. It's mostly just a burn with a hint of apricot in the finish. Very unique but I don't know if it is worth the price I paid.
I also have some Makers 101. It still has the sweetness with a bit more bite than Makers or Makers 46. It makes great Old Fashions.
Here's a list of other whisky's I've sampled and can recommend since binging on YouTube whisky channels and suffering through the lockdowns:
Buffalo Trace
Angel's Envy
Elijah Craig Small Batch and Barrel Strength
Jack Single Barrel and Gentleman Jack
Glenfiddich and Glenfiddich 15
Four Roses Small Batch
Wild Turkey 101
And no, I'm not an alcoholic, but a Joe/Ho Whitehouse may very well turn me into a drunk.
I feel your pain.
I have done the same as you and have tried several bourbons.
I like Buffalo Trace. Have you tried Eagle Rare??? Pretty good. Found it on sale when COVID started this spring on shopboozy.com. I bought two cases and now have only one bottle left.
I claim not to be a boozer but it sure can be habit forming if one is not on guard.
MFO