The run-down on whisk(e)ys:
There are several different kinds of whisk(e)y: Irish whiskey, Scotch whisky, Canadian whisky, and the various American whiskeys being the four big groups. From there they are further subdivided by region (in the case of bourbon and Tennessee whiskeys), by grain used (for instance, rye v. barley), and by whether or not it's a single malt or a blend.
Crown Royal is a Canadian blended whisky.
Jamesons is an Irish blended whiskey.
Dewars and J&B are both Scotch blended whiskies.
Macallan (in its various years) is an example of a single malt Scotch.
Makers Mark is a fine bourbon.
For mixing, middle-shelf Canadian whiskies and American bourbons are probably your best bet. If you're making a drink where you expect the liquor to stand on its own, I'd go with Maker's Mark. If you want to serve Scotch and sodas, go for the Dewars. It won't bust your bank account but still will turn your ears red.
The thing with whisk(e)ys, as Mal said, and it's true of all kinds, and not just Scotch: it's all about your palate. Personally, I love Maker's Mark.
Eventually I'll come back and post my dream bar, but be sure any bar I have will include both Maker's Mark and Bombay Sapphire
