I find most Scotch whiskies from the Islay region are smoky, peaty and full bodied. (Lagavulin, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg). They are available at various price points. There is also a brand called Amrut that is not a true scotch but rather a single malt whisky distilled in India. It is fantastic, I would recommend adding some of that to the shortlist. The Fusion is my favorite in that line so far. That's a great way to reward yourself!

You could also just get a keg of a good micro brew and have a hell of a celebration..... Double Bastard Ale??

If you want a couple wine rec's, I can hook you up. The 08 Rudd Estate Red is fantastic - $185 Open it and let it breath in a decanter for about four hours first.

Lampy: That's my job of celebration.

Someone recently recommended Balvenie to me. I haven't bought any yet, but I'm planning to at some point. HA!

He recommends http://www.masterofmalt.com for info on different ones.

Whiskey vs whisky depends on provenance actually. I know this because I worked in Bushmills, Northern Ireland, one summer (ah, the distilling days!) In Ireland and the US there is an 'e'; if the beverage originates in Canada, Scotland, Wales, etc, though, there is no 'e'.

We love Dalwhinnie here - no idea what the price would be like in the US but it's a very yummy scotch to celebrate with!

Okay, who else can honestly type "Ah, the distilling days!"

Amie, you're awesome.

I like mine with the 'e'.

Mostly, I've been committed to Bourbon (for both flavor and that whole "buy American" thing). I just don't enjoy a peaty/smoky profile. I've tried quite a variety of Scotches, but nothing at or above that $200 category. I'll hold out that it is possible I still don't know what I'm missing.

I recently started to try out lower end Irish whiskies, and found that I seem to enjoy Jameson more than Bushmill's (sorry, Amie). Mostly, of course, I prefer something with a slightly different process, a bit of carbonation and one more ingredient.

I enjoy learning from you all, and really appreciate you sharing your knowledge in this thread.

I love Bushmill's. When I was kid Ted Kennedy told me to drink it instead of Jamesons'. Really.

Bushmill's with one small ice cube.

Bushmill's: When you absolutely, positively have to be in a pond in Chappaquiddick by midnight.

David, what's the call? Inquiring minds want to know.