I've only got into ‘proper'
whisky over the last few years. I've never liked ‘normal' blended whisky like Bells and Teachers.
I started off with a couple of different bourbon's but after a couple of mates encouraged me to try Single Malt's I've never looked back.
I started off with Aberlour 10 year old. I bought a full bottle, a risk but it was on offer* at the supermarket, so rude not to really. The first mouthful was a revelation. Oh my sweet Lord! Just bloody lovely.
I've tried a few over the years and started enjoying the more peaty whiskies more and more. I bought a miniature bottle of Ardbeg and I'm glad I didn't buy a full bottle. It's way too peaty for me. I might as well been drinking TCP neat. YUK!
I had a bottle of Laphroaig bought for me at Christmas, which has a reputation of being very peaty but I found it easy to drink.
As already mentioned Peaty Whiskies are definitely an acquired taste and something you build up to. If you'd like to try a Whisky with a hint of peat, then I'd recommend Highland Park 10 year.
*Aberlour 10 year old is regularly discounted in Supermarkets. You can pick it for £25.00 most of the time. I'd highly recommend it. It's not Peaty at all BTW.