Oh, I disagree that anything other than Lagavulin is just booze. Whiskies tend to be amazing complex things for only having a handful of ingredients. I HAVE had a whisky I did not like, it was Grant's... NEVER drinking that stuff again!
However, all the other Scotch whiskies I have tried, I have liked to some degree or another. I favour the Highland, and Islay regions typically...although I am seriously wanting to try something from Orkney. I have had a few Orkney ales, and those were tasty... of course, there isn't much comparison between beers and whisky, as they are two different beasts. I have yet to test out some of the more expensive varieties, but there are a number of good choices for those on a budget just sitting on liquor store shelves... I have even seen some that weren't well suited to a budget there too... typically though for the higher end stuff, it's special order.