For those that don't care for peaty/smoky Islay region, I have found that the Highland and Speyside regions produce single malt scotches that I enjoy the most.
My favorites are Dalmore 12 and 15Yr, Balvenie 14Yr Caribbean Cask, Most Glenmorangie 10 Yr offerings, one of my favorites is the 18 Yr. Most of these are matured in sherry or oak casks, the Balvenie 14 is matured in rum casks. These tend to add a measure of warmth to the flavor without overly added sweetness. Generally the more mature bottles have a smoother finish with no bite.
I usually taste these while enjoying a good cigar with friends.
