Best single-malt Scotch...

Tireguy, based on your love of Laphroaig here are my suggestions.

First the island whiskies:

Lagavulin (of course - my #1 pick)

Talisker (Isle of Skye - my #2 - Laphroaig is my #3)

All the other Islays - Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg (the 17 year old is fabulous), Port Ellen (if you can find it). The "3 B's" listed first are the lightest of the Islays, and may disappoint if you're looking for the "in your face" smoke 'n peat experience, but they're still a league and a half ahead of Genlivet.

Then move to the mainland:

Highland Park, from way up north. Rich, with a hint of the island character.

Glenfarclas, Glenturret - especially older ones like the 15's - classic Speyside character.

The old standby, Macallan. The 12 is so-so, but the 18 is very nice. Too pricey for what you get IMO. Marketing has done its work here.

And if you can find it, Edradour. The smallest distillery in Scotland, it's a lighter but supremely elegant dram.

I don't personally care for the Lowlands malts as much. They're too light for my taste. You should try Springbank if you have a chance, though. It's a very traditional whisky, and the best of the Lowlands IMO.

I agree with Gliderguider.... if Laphroig does it for you, Lagavulin will do it even more! And Talisker is great introduction, too, to top flight single malts.

This is a great thread. If I may inject a small bump into the road of this thread......what are your favorite blended Scotches? I know.....so pedestrian........well here it goes:

2. Dewar's is my regular choice.

1. Dewars 12 is even better, but just barely worth the $10 more a bottle than regular Dewar's. I don't get it often.

3. Famouse Grouse is good too but I prefer either of the Dewars.

Gliderguider - you have a true appreciation for fine malts! Have you ever been to Islay? A very remote spot - I've never set foot there, but have flown over it many times during a tour of duty flying fighters in England.

Blended? Pinch, probably. It's been so long... :-)

I had a shot of Johnny Walker Blue in a bar once, courtesy of my boss (it was during the tech bubble, 'nuf said). I was seriously underwhelmed.