I had a couple of buddies that drank Scotch, and they got me started on it.

So I bought a different brand, or two, every time I went to the store.

After several months of tasting, I discovered that I do not favor any Scotch that has been in a wine barrel...

My favorite Scotches are the ones from the Isle of Islay. I like the Peat...

My most favorite for "everyday use" is Laphroaig 10 Year Old.

I do like Lagavulin 16 Year Old, but I have found that most of the Older than 12 year Islay Scotches loose a little of their Peat flavor.

The best advise for a new Scotch drinker, is keep trying new stuff until you find what you like.

+10 on that. I try as many as I can and drink it slowly. I drank it neat, on the rocks and with water.

I have gone through those stages and enjoyed all...now I just add water & some ice. The water does release some great subtle flavours! I really like the seaweed smell of the coastal & Islay scotch. Some of those storage warehouses are right on the waterfront with breaking waves of the North Sea!

Michael Jackson's book certainly went a long way in my understanding and enjoyment of Single Malts.