OT: Scotch Drinkers, what is a good one to try?

Start with a good steady one that's bit too expensive, McAllan 12 yr

Drink it with a small splash of spring water, first of all. Second, all bourbon basically tastes the same - not Scotch. If possible, find a bar that specializes in Scotch and find out if they’ll do a flight. You’ll notice that the tastes vary, largely based on where it’s distilled. The most accessible is the Scotch from the Highlands region - all the ones that start with “Glen” (that’s a river that a lot of distilleries draw their water from). Personally, I’m a big fan of the smoky, peaty (compost, basically) flavor that come from the Islands region - Laphroaig (one of the most distinct tasting Scotches), Lagavulin, and Isle of Jura (used to be one of the more reasonably priced ones - now kind of hard to find). If you want an accessible Scotch that’s not one that’s so common - try Glen Farklas. Solid one to have to impress the friends when you have company.

On rare occassion you can find at Coctco.  Honestly don't drink much  but its pretty good from what I remember and what people who know more than I do about it have told me.

I recently got a bottle of Bowmore 12, and I've really enjoyed it. I personally don't like Laphroig so much, but McCallen and Glenfiddich tend to be good starters, in my lightly-informed opinion.  

I think a good starter scotch is Ardbeg 10

Smokey

Try Traders Joe's. A lot of these retailers buy well known brands and put their own name on it (Kirkland Vodka is Grey Goose BTW).

For a first time scotch, it's not bad at all and it's $20. It's not like you're drinking Cutty Sark.

Many good suggestions above. I do love Auchentoshan, esp the 18 year but that is pricey. A gree that Glenmorangie 10, Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12 are all very good in the $40 to $50 range and Macallan is great. A few I really like but not yet mention are Balvennie, Dalwinnie, Talisker, and Highland Park.

When in the mood for a peaty smoky malt, I like Lagavuilin, though many prefer Laphroig in that category. 

I love a lot of these, but most of them are NOT for newbies. 

OP, get some Johnny Walker Black and see how it goes.  It's a blend, but a damn good one.  Scotch and bourbon can be in the uncanny valley from each other- I started on scotch and all bourbons tasted "wrong" to me at first. From there you can try some single malts and see how much "smoke" you like.  My own favorite is Talisker, but there are many many wonderful bottles to try.

Generally speaking single malts will be smoother than blends.  My favorite is Oban 14 yr, but it will set you back about $80-$90.  As others have mentioned for the money Macallan 12 yr is pretty good too.

There are also peaty scotches out there too that will have a smoky flavor.  Laphroig or Lagavulan, if you are looking for something different.

Who the hell knew there were so many different types of scotch? Bunch of drunks on this board. My people. I’m glad someone asked because I gotta give up the beer, and this looks like a good starting place.

The closest to Bourbon is the Macallan 12.....anything else will taste like moss to you.

But do some research to find what you like...speyside and highland have more of a crisper taste, Islay and lowland more smoky. Some insist single malt is better. Lots of choices and tastes.

with respect to drinking it neat, or adding a couple of drops of water, and I do mean drops. I didn't believe it at firrst when told, but in some cases it does really seem to "release the flavor" a bit.

I genuinely like scotch...now. But I feel like I really had to work to earn that. Anyway, I can tell some of the differences between the good ones, but I don't really care about the differences. So this list may be incoherent:

 

-Any of the "Glen-'s"

-Oban (could be my favorite but good luck having me explain that with language)

-Johnny Black

-Johnny Blue

-*NEVER* Johnny Red

If you want to start with some variety, try Balevenie Doublewood 17 and Lagavulin 16 Distiller's Edition (not the standard Lagavulin 16, though that is also very nice).

That will get you a great, smooth Speyside and a great Islay, peaty and smokey.

My personal preference is to slowly sip without ice. I've tried it and just don't like the "flavor voyage" of a good single malt altered with ice.

Go to. Standard. Scotch like some women is an acquired taste.

a bowl full of my piss the morning after I down a bunch of shitty bourbon

Then you are looking at the Highland and Speyside malts, which are sweeter. Avoid Islay malts (like Lagavulin), which will be more on the smoky/peaty side. I agree that The Macallan would be a good place to start. 

Regarding water: Properly, single malt scotch should be taken almost neat, but with a few drops of water (not a splash). The idea is that the water combines with the esters in the scotch, and causes it to "open up," just like airing out a red wine. You want to put in just enough water to take the sting out of your nose when smelling it directly. In really dedicated scotch bars and stores they will actually have something like an eyedropper or a tiny pitcher for the purpose. The Scotts themselves call it "Angel's tears" to describe the effect. Oh, if you are going to put ice in it, DON'T.

 

Enjoy!