I’m in Texas and just started working my way through the various local options. Still Austin, Garrison Brothers, Balcones (started by a friend of mine) and so on. Not sure Texas can beat Kentucky yet though. We’ll see.
That's the fun part. Make the rounds of the local distillers, get to know the people behind the spirits. If you were in WEST Virginia, I'd recommend Black Draft Straight Bourbon Whiskey ... among others.
Belcones is my go to here in Fort Worth. I bought a bottle of Belcones that was like a million proof, slight exaggeration, for my son in law. He’s used to Woodford Reserve so it was too potent for him.