I've come to believe scotch is overpriced. Go with bourbons. Half the cost, still taste great. Latest discovery was single batch Elmer T Lee for $21. Tastes better than most any $50 scotch I've ever had.
Then again, for peaty scotch lovers, I highly doubt you'll come across a US whisky that smells or tastes like Laphroaig!
Other good deals, since tequila comes up. Orendain for $10 tastes as good as most $20-25 bottles. More than enough for margaritas.
Rain organic vodka, quadrupled distilled, charcoal/diamond filtered, $14, or $24 for the handle.
I entertain a lot!