What's the progression?

[calhounhusker]

Id recommend the Glenfiddich 12 year. Its a very mild and good starter scotch. Will run you from 35 to 40 bucks though.

[pitbulljimmy]

A good light single malt with those fruity floral notes you were looking for is Cragganmore 12yr old. I don't know what it costs stateside, but here in Canada it gets a bit pricey... I think it was about $65.00 or $70.00 a bottle when I last had it.

[Bigtotoro]

A bottle of Macallan 10 can be had for $20-30.

[Wolf4Fun]

Glenlivet 12
Glenfiddich 12

Both are very nice single malts. Try a single ice cube and just cover the cube. Glass of water on the side.
Just sip the scotch. Think of it as something to taste, not as something to drink. The water on the side is for drinking.

If you can find the airplane bottles, it might save a few bucks in case you don't like it. Scotch is not for everyone. But then, same can be said for other liquors. I personally can't stand Gin.

Take care all, and ENJOY!!

[RobustBrad]

Thanks guys! I'm a huge fan of bourbon. I like Makers Mark myself. I"m trying to get into scotch so all of your advice is really helpful.

Cheers,
Brad

[danmcmartin]

I would try a bottle of Chivas Regal 12. It's blended, slightly fruity and not to smokey and plenty smooth. Or you could do what I did. I decided I wanted to like scotch (actually developed a taste for Irish Whiskey, but I'm of Scottish decent, so...) and bought a bottle of $50 Dalwhinnie. The first few shots were a little rough, but I developed a taste over the next year and by the end of the bottle, I loved it. In fact, I drank the last third on my 42nd birthday. Good night, bad next morning.

[yourchoice]

My favorite blended is probably Johnny Walker Black. I think that would be a good starting point. The idea of a Scotch flight is a great idea if you can find an establishment that will serve it.

Single Malts are a whole different ball game, with each having a more profound direction of taste. Ardbeg 10yo for example is one that I love because of the peatiness to it, but I know several Scotch drinkers that don't care for it for the same reason.

[Ehlonya]

Yup, what these guys say regarding the miniatures, personally I prefer a sweeter after dinner whisky to go with my cigars. But there are quite a few who prefer a peaty (it's an acquired taste like parsley) and smoky dram over the sweeter stuff. If ya not sure and want something inexpensive, check out Glenfarclas 12 yr old (Speyside, low on peat and it's very sweet) around 30-40 bucks or you can go with an old fashion W.L. Weller special reserve 7 yr old (Kentucky Bourbon, very sweet corn) 15-20 bucks.

[RobustBrad]

Thanks guys. One thing I know I can't stand (maybe because of too many shots in college) Is Jameson, or anything that smells alike.

Cheers,
Brad