In general: the more expensive an alcohol, the less appropriate it is to be mixed, as the expensive nature is due to the flavors.
This same statement goes for ice, of any stripe, as well.
The exception to this rule is vodka, as modern distillation methods actually produce about 200 proof alcohol, then dilute it. The flavor of vodka is inherently determined by the local water supply. You can, rather famously, turn crap vodka into top tier vodka with a Britta filter.
If I'm not mistaken, Walker doesn't make any non-blended whiskeys or malts. Those tend to be a bit different in flavor than a single malt.
I always felt like there was a time and a place for all things. Cheap American Beer was great for a day long drinking event in the summer sun, like a river float. Full bodied micro-brews were great for a night on the town. Whiskey and water if I wanted something hard, as sugar mixers typically gave me the tar-poops later (TMI but you started it).
In general I liked American Whiskeys for the cheap price point, for sipping and getting drunk. I didn't have the tongue for an expensive one. But I hated Jack or Southern Comfort; too sweet and low in booze, and far too expensive when compared to similar quality and proofs.
I was more of a beer person; the lower ABV made it easier for me to pick the flavors out. Course I haven't had any booze in like 7 years. Had a drinking problem, so had to cut it out. I'm happier, family is happier, but I still enjoy talking about it sometimes.
