Do a Google search on bourbon tasting. Lots of good info. My neighbor is a distributor and turned me on to some of the tricks. For example, Even a couple of DROPS of water, or letting it breathe for a few minutes, can change the taste of a fine straight bourbon. You'll need to try the same batch several different ways to find what you really like.
With that said, I would start with the Blanton that you already have on hand. Then try some of the ones already mentioned in he thread; Basil Hayden, Forty Creek, Knob Creek 9 Year, Woodford Reserve, are all good ones. While I admit, I drink plenty of those, my preference is Weller Special Reserve with a 2.5" ice ball. My point is, don't get hung up on the high dollar stuff because that might not be what YOU like. In the end, they all achieve the same goal.

Current favorite is angel's envy, I like it better than most of the ones that are twice as high. Poured over a couple cubes of ice, I will drink that all night.

I follow this guy, he has pretty much the same taste for whisky as I do

http://www.bourbonbanter.com

When I was drinking I never drank Whiskey, I drank Whisky. There is a difference! Crown Royal Black is probably the best sipping Whisky out there. When it comes to Whisky I stuck to the Canadian brands. I you want Whiskey then Jack Danial's single barrel would be my choice. If your mixing your drink with anything other than water or ice it doesn't really matter.

I tried getting a "good" bottle of whisky last christmas, but couldn't tell the difference in my egg nog.

Lots of choices out there and a lot of different opinions. I have just recently (last couple of years) started drinking whiskey/whisky more than beer, primarily to help my waistline. I love craft beer, but I have been drinking it less lately.

My favorite bourbon's right now are:
Old Forester Signature (The Birthday Bourbon is great when you can get it, but can be a little high at some places)
Eagle Rare 10 (like the 17 as well, but out of my price range)
W. L. Weller Special Reserve
Four Roses Single Barrel

Since you mentioned Scotch too, here are some of my favorite Scotches/whisky

Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask (maybe the best Scotch you can find $ for $, but the Balvenie 12 Doublewood is great as well)
Macallan (The 12 is great, but the 18 is worth the money, and the MacAllen Rare Cask is an expensive, but tasty treat)
Glenfarclas 21
Edradour 10 (Cheap, but flavorful representation of a Highland Whisky)