What brands of aged liquor do you recommend as Scotch alternatives?

I’ve recently returned to drinking a bit after I challenged myself to 3 years of sobriety. Went through some old go to’s and have had a good time but a couple weeks ago had an airplane bottle of 12 year single malt and was reminded of how much I love aged spirits.

Unfortunately I was crestfallen to see Scotch prices have skyrocketed with brands I used to buy for $40 now going for $60-$70.

In my experiences with single malt I’ve found 12 years is the tipping point for smoothness. 10 years are not significantly smoother than your average $20 bottle and while the difference between 12, 15 & 18 is noticeable it’s not significant.

What other liquor brands are aged for 12 years? I’m operating on the assumption any type of liquor aged for 12 or more years will become smooth enough that sipping it neat would be pleasurable. I’m open to aged Whiskeys, Bourbons, Rums, Tequila’s, etc. in the $30-$45 price range as that’s a price I can occasionally splurge on.

Only spirit I’m not looking for recommendations on is Gin as I only care for it when mixed with juice. Thanks in advance to any responders!