Mr. Fish,
I'm not really into the peaty, smokey scotches, as I prefer the highlands. But when I do drink them, Talisker is a smooth scotch with only a hint of smoke. Johnny Walker Double Black is another, if you like blended scotches, and Johnny Walker Platinum is also delicious.
On the smooth side, I like the Glenfarclas, 15 year, but the 12 year is also good, and a lot more affordable. Same with the Glen Grant.
Arran makes an excellent 10 year old, as does Craggenmore.
For everyday drinking, I like the Macallan 12 years old. I've tried their older scotches, but still like the 12 year old the best. The Balvenie, double wood, and the Glen Morangue La Santa are both good, aged in sherry barrels, so a bit of a sweet aftertaste. For blends, I like the Famous Grouse 12 year, Monkey Shoulder, and Buchannan's.
A few years ago, a houseguest brought at Signatory, 1990. Signatory is an independent makes that distills their recipes in the idle works of the majors distillers. Excellent, smooth, and light colored, but full flavor. I then tried their 1995, and it was more smokey, and not as good, so you take your chances.
Finally, the same houseguest (he and his wife come every year) brought a Glen Grange, 22 year old. Fantastic.
Finally, if you're in Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Spirits company makes a single malt, aged with mesquite, the Colkegan. Different flavor, but very nice.
