That is the downside of computers, no taste or smell. I would love to discuss religion, but I suspect it would not be a good idea. If you have ever read Robert Burn's poem 'The Cottar's Saturday Night' then in that poem the cottars, who are farming peasants spend the Saturday nights sitting in the inglenooks at the pub discussing world politcs and economics etc, even although they don't have 2 pennies to rub together themselves. So I agree that discussion can be very rewarding, but probably best done in small private groups for best effect.
As far as the water of life is concerned, there could be a discussion for days. Scotch Whisky is probably different from the others in the fact that there are a large number fo disctinct regional variations, and one may be enjoyable while others are less so. The island malts such as Laphroaig, Bruichladdich etc tend to be quite peaty, you can smell the peat when you open the bottle. This can give a taste that not everyone likes. The Spey malts from the northeast tend to be much less peaty and usually milder if you wish, in terms of harshness. The strength of the whiusky is also a pointer towards taste preference. Most blends are 40% alcohol but malts can go up to 60% and so the taste can be quite euphoric, if you know what I means. Bruichladdich have even started this year a whisky that will be 98% alcohol, so totally poisonous to humans. It was last made in the 1700's and was well known as 'the destroyer of brains'. Some tastings have already taken place usually in drop form. The first drop is interesting, the second is very very exciting and the third takes your brain into the far reaches of the universe. The following morning when you awaken, the world seems a totally different place. however, you will not be able to buy this particular brew for another 12 years.
As for myself a 10 or even 15 year old Macallan, Springburn or Glenlivet does take some beating. I have started buying, in very small doses, bottles of some of the rarer malts. These are distilleries that are now closed so the whisky can never be made again. Brands such as Milburn and Dhallas Dhu for instance. I am looking at investment, but more so a legacy for my grandchildren. My wife keeps telling me I should open them and drink them myself, but so far have witheld the temptation.
We should meet on a site somewhere and discuss the merits over a bottle, or 2, but we are heading to France next month until September.