Hey guys!

I'm just starting my single malt journey after mainly exploring blends like Chivas, Buchanan's, and Johnnie Walker Double Black (my favorite among the mainstream offerings).

My first step into single malts was The Macallan Quest - enjoyed it, though found it a bit mild in the flavor department. Then I decided to dive into the deep end with Ardbeg Uigeadail... and wow, what a jump! While I appreciate its smokiness, it's like going from paddling in the kiddie pool to being thrown into the North Sea. I've actually been adding ice just to tame it a bit for my rookie palate.

I do enjoy the smoky notes, but the intensity of those BBQ, bacon, and maritime flavors feels like getting hit by a UFC champion. I'd love recommendations for something that keeps some of that smokiness but dials it back a notch. Maybe something with a sweeter profile or just generally more approachable?

I'm definitely open to exploring beyond Islay too - any region is fair game as long as it offers an interesting flavor profile that might suit my developing palate. I'm more interested in finding something complex and enjoyable than sticking to any particular region or style.

What would you suggest for someone who's intrigued by peat but needs to build up their tolerance? And what non-peated scotches might be worth exploring?

I've probably tried a lot of whiskey (whisky) throughout my life, but I never paid much attention to it and the brands, as I was always more of a beer guy and just drank whisky when someone else was drinking it. I'm a newbie, so take my weigh-ins with a huge grain of salt. But, since paying more attention to whisky; of the five whiskies that I've had I'll rank from best to worst:

1. Nikka Black

2. Johnnie Walker Black Label

3. Jack Daniels

4. Old Parr

5. Teachers

Asking for a friend: My pal has a close friend who helped him through a bunch of stuff last year, and wants to give them a gift. His friend mentioned a gift of Crown Royal that they had enjoyed, and my pal wants to give them something along those lines but, you know, better. I've lived in Canada for a while but have found nothing better than drinkable on the shelves. (And a store rep told me recently that the better Canadian stuff all gets shipped to Japan for blending.) Can anyone here recommend a whisky that has some Canadian-type notes but is at least very good?

Hey Whiskey drinkers. I've been building a home bar for a bit and I wanted to add a Whiskey to my collection. I'm conflicted between Suntory Hibiki or Suntory Ao. Does any one have any pros and cons? In case this is useful information my usually favorite spirit is Nicaraguan Flor De Caña rum. Cocktails I usually make are Mai Tais and Tiki drinks.

I'm looking to get a couple bottles of Japanese whiskey to open when my wife and I close on our new house and then have our first child. I came back from Japan about 6 months ago and had some from Nikka I really enjoyed and purchased their From the Barrel. I'm very new to this so what would be some others to recommend? I think I've seen Yamazaki 12 or Hakushu 12 as recommended. Any others to consider or if these two would be good? Looking to get two different bottles to try out. Thanks!