I know that every liquor store in the Athens, GA area has gradually raised their prices on Jack Daniels over 3 years. I know the same thing has happened in Auburn, AL. There don't seem to be any major differences in any other alcohol, just Jack Daniels.

Bourbon was first made in 1789 or thereabouts. Its primary difference was that it was aged in charred oak barrels. It can be a blend of straight whiskeys, a sweet-mash, sour-mash. It can be brewed in Kentucky, Tennessee, or presumably, anywhere. Kentucky is generally better associated with Bourbon because that is where it is originally created. Bourbon County also has exception water that is ideal for making whiskey.

Tennessee whiskey is also called Tennessee Bourbon. It is straight sour mash whiskey made from a mash containing at least 51% grain (normally corn) and filtered through charcoal. Straight whiskey means that there can be no additives: the final product is mixture of the whiskey and water.

The terms sour mash and sweet mash refer to the yeasting process and do not, in any way, refer to the sweetness of the resulting flavour. Sour mash "means that a certain proportion of the mash must contain stillage or spent liquods (sans alcohol) that remain from the previous distillation. This is mixed with fresh mash."

I've found a few other bourbons (partial list):
Baker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Blanton's Single-Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Booker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Hancock's Reserve Single-Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Jack Daniel's Single-Barrel Straight Tennessee Whiskey
Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Rock Hill Farms Single-Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single-Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

I've had Jack Daniels, Bookers, and Wild Turkey. I'd say the Bookers was best out of those, but I think it was about $80 for a liter. Any recommendations for a good bourbon that is under $30 for a handle (1.75 liters)?

-Biscuits