@cascode got it! Thank you!

@Chase-Branson I'd suggest adding Balvenie 12 Doublewood, GlenDronach 12, Old Pulteney 12, Springbank 10, Highland Park 12, Caol Ila 12 and Oban Little Bay to your wishlist. All very reasonably priced and together with the great recommendations made by others here that would comprise an excellent starting dozen.

@Generously_Paul haha great to know. Thank you so much!

@Chase-Branson Talisker 10 has some decent peat, but if you really want to dive into the deep end of peat, then go with Ardbeg 10, Lagavulin 8 or 16, Laphroaig 10. They may not have the highest ppm levels out there (Octomore has the market cornered, but you are not ready for that yet young Padawan), but those are the quintessential Islay malts that showcase what Islay peat is all about.

@PBMichiganWolverine how would you compare those peat levels to Talisker 10? I had that and loved it

@PBMichiganWolverine Ah ok! Thanks for the advice!!

@Chase-Branson no, not pricing at all. In fact Ardbeg 10 is probably the best hands down bang for your buck single malt. But, it’s the peat level. It can be off-putting at first. Then it goes from disgust to pure enjoyment. I hated my first Islay ( Ardbeg). Now Islay is my favorite

@Generously_Paul love it!! I’ll look into those ASAP. I think the peated nature of Talisker may be what was so good to me.

@Chase-Branson good man! If you really enjoyed the Talisker 10, then you may be inclined to like the peated whiskies from Islay. If you do venture over to Islay you may want to start with Bowmore 12, Kilchoman Sanaig or Machir Bay. Leave the south coast distilleries (Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin) until you know if you like that smoky profile. You can also try Highland Park 12, a great all around scotch with a light peating. The possibilities are nearly endless so samples are a great way to start if you can find them

@Generously_Paul thank you so very much for the suggestions!!! While Red Label was my first, I’ve also had Talisker 10, and Aberfeldy 12. I actually have a bottle of Glenfiddich 12 in front of me, and am going to try it tonight

@PBMichiganWolverine is that specifically because of the pricing???

@Generously_Paul good recommendations. I’d stay away from Ardbeg, Lagavulin or Laphroaig for newcomers

If this was your first scotch then it’s all uphill from here. A few suggestions for what to try next if you are truly new to scotch. Glenmorangie 10, Tomatin 12, Aberfeldy 12, Glenfiddich 12, Glenlivet 12, Auchentoshan American Oak, Aberlour 12, Deanston Virgin Oak or 12. All solid “beginner” single malts. As far as blends go, Johnnie Walker Black and Green Label, Famous Grouse, Monkey Shoulder, Compass Box Great Kings Street, Oak Cross or Spice Tree. Of course there are so many others out there, but these should get you started and most are on the low end price wise and should give you a good baseline for which to train your palate. I’m sure others will give their suggestions on what paths to take as well. If you aren’t a noob then you know what’s out there already lol. Good luck.