To get back to the original post.  My favourite tipple would be any highland single malt.  I dont like the peaty ones from Islay.    However, if you ever get the chance favourites so far are Deanston Single Malt (from a small distillery near Stirling), Tomatin Single Malt and Glenmorangie Single Malt.   I used to have them straight until a visit to the Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain last year.  The lady conducting the tour asked us to try a 'half' with just a teaspoon of water in it....what a difference.  Made the whisky much more mellow and allowed the flavours to come out.