I am sure the thread title using "bourbon" is trying to use the generic term whiskey. If that is not the case, Whistle Pig, Sazerac, and some of the Angel's Envy are not bourbons. Crown Royal, by law, cannot be called a bourbon, it is a Canadian Whiskey, very different from American whiskies. Canadian whiskies are general sweeter because of the different corn they use, and generally speaking, they use more corn.
VO is correct in that Ezra Brooks is a great starter bourbon. However, Ezra Brooks has a new one out that is a little more expensive, $19, but it is 99 proof.
If you are mixing with anything that is sweet, (Coke, Pepsi, Sprite/7 up, etc.), do yourself a favor and just get a bottle of Jim Beam or Jack Daniels. While Jack Daniels is technically a bourbon, it is a Tennessee Whiskey, which has one added stepped than bourbon.