My brother will soon be retiring from the Air Force soon and I am looking for some suggestions for a few bottles.

What I want to get him is three bottles. #1 will be considered very good, #2 will be exceptional and #3 will
be a special bottle.

What I would like to hear from everyone are some ideas that are not the usual suspects. (i.e., Pappy, BTAC, etc.)
Not sure if he likes Bourbon, Scotch or Irish whiskey, so have at it. The only rules are that they shouldn't be super rare
or expensive, or almost impossible to find.

Thank You in advance for any and all suggestions.

You cant go wrong with mccallen 18.

What is your all in budget?

And would 100% ASK what his preference is as no point in spending money on things you think he may like when in fact he hates it.

I've given him a few bottles, namely Buffalo Trace, The Sexton and Aberfeldy 12 yr. Just waiting on a response from him.
As far as budget goes, it depends. I would like to keep the price down, but it is for family. If spending another hundred or so can get a much
better bottle, I'll do it. (Or even a couple hundred more) For the special bottle I could just get him a bottle of William LaRue Weller (Or it's equivalent in Scotch or Irish Whiskey)
but I like to be a bit different. It also shows that I took the time to look further than the usual suspects. (At least I think so and I would like to tailor the choice to his tastes)
Plus I'm not sure I want to get into the game of hunting/getting a Pappy. If it is really worth it and I have the money, no problem.
I'm just not convinced of it yet so I am looking for some options. And he may like the Irish whiskey best, no way to tell.
Just trying to keep it from getting super expensive.

I don't know what the availability and prices are in your area.  Some thoughts: Jack Daniels No. 27.  Way better than regular Jack.  About $100 in my area.  The Wild Turkey Rare Breeds are pretty good for the money.  High proof in case someone doesn't want that.  Might want to consider a Whistle Pig.  Lots of people really like the 6 year and not terribly expensive.  I would look at a sipping tequila.  There are guys here that could give you the run down on some reasonably priced and available options.

Also, please thank your brother for the time in the Air Force.  I would donate a better bottle to this cause if you were close to North central Iowa.  Let me know if interested.  Not interested in shipping.  Please understand that I don't visit this site every day so if I don't response, please be patience.

I’ve never seen Blanton’s at any of our local liquor stores - then just yesterday I was at a popular large grocer and the were (3) bottles of it ($55/ea) and a bottle of Elijah Craig 18-year-old ($130). I bought one of the Blanton’s to see what the hype is all about. I guess you just never know what you’ll find.