I agree that Famous Grouse is a good starting point, It is my "everyday" Scotch, Dewar's has a very good 12 year old blended Scotch. Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12 are both very palatable single malts, I like both of them. These are all good starting points.

Now about this "peaty" flavor, can someone describe the "peaty" taste for us? I have never been able to isolate it.