Fresh start with Scotch/Whiskey and single malt

[mmblz]

I would start with the following short list - these are all very common, and have enough variety to give you a good starting point - and do try them in bar before buying bottles:

Glenlivet 12
Macallan 12
Oban 14
Lagavulin 16

It's also a short enough list to be manageable