Sipping on Buffalo Trace as we speak and it's quite smooth. That said Makers 46 and Woodford are two quality offerings as well.
I'm traditionally a Scotch drinker myself, and find all 3 quite good. I've tried far more expensive Bourbons in my newbie journey, but these are always on rotation, and can usually be had for $25 or thereabouts.
A step up from Buffalo Trace, try Eagle Rare. It's a 10 yr single barrel that's smooth and a great value, in my book. It's under $35.
On a tangent, it lost its single barrel moniker due to the change to automated bottle filling, so technically you could get a bottle between two barrels that would contain juice from both. It doesn't change the quality of what's in the barrel.
I'm not familiar with Speyside scotch, but there are some good suggestions here. Eagle Rare has been my favorite bourbon to date. George Dickel 12 is a very good Tennessee Whisky.
Also, check out the website/app Distillr. It may help you locate some good bourbon's (and scotches, and other whiskeys) to try.
Makers 46 or Basil Hayden's.
If you can step up a few bucks, maybe Angels Envy, it's a little sweeter than some, has hints of fruit, and is very, very smooth.
If you can go up $15, you should absolutely try Blanton's -- the best bourbon <$100, IMHO.
Have you tried Rye? I LOVE Speysides and I really like Rye I've found.
Last fall I spent a week in Speyside...ended up being a very expensive trip. 48 distilleries within 60 minutes of each other, but no way to drive after all the tastings!