If you'd like to try a Single Malt Scotch, I'd like to recommend a
MacAllan 12 Y/O - Either Sherry Cask (lighter and spicier) or Fine Oak (a bit darker and warmer tasting) are readily available, well rounded, enjoyable, and not particularly expensive. The 10's
($40 in NJ) are also good, but (IMHO) the extra couple dollars for the 12s
($45 in NJ) are well spent. These are my "Go To", great for sipping neat or with a small splash of water, and are the standard I compare everything else to.
I'm not a fan of the Glenfiddich or Glenlivet - most of their offerings are too... Delicate, (to use a positive word), for my tastes. Unless we're talking their older, and much more expensive offerings.
If you'd like a site with reviews, check out
http://www.connosr.com/ They review *all* whiskys, regardless of type or source. So there's Bourbons and Ryes as well as Irish and Scotch. Anything given 80+ points is likely worth checking out.
Regarding Scotch: Keep in mind that some brands/regions may not be for newer drinkers. Brands from the Island or Islay regions tend to be powerfully smoky and likely wouldn't appeal to someone not used to that. 'Highlands' malts tend to be very light (no or near~no smoke). Most Speyside malts are more rounded.
If you want to see what's currently in my cabinet:
http://www.connosr.com/members/scotteq/ I can speak to these.