Stay top shelf as everything else is blended, not single malt.

Any of the Glenlivets are nice, but the older the smoother. The Glenrothes are wonderful but often very unique in taste from bottle to bottle, less consistent than the Glenlivets. Macallan 12 is a bit sharp on the finish but many still like it. Older Macallans smooth out a bit more and are more palatable to me, personally. Can't go wrong with the Laphraoig although some feel it is an acquired taste.

If you go into any decent bar in the US you should find Glenlivet on the shelf, along side Glenfiddich and Glenmorangie, and maybe Macallan. From there things start to get a bit esoteric but with great unique flavors.

If your budget allows it I would choose one of the two older Glenlivets as a good first dive into single malt scotch.

Enjoy.


Addendum----Just noticed that the 15 Glenlivet is the French Oak version, a bit stronger tasting than regular Glenlivets. If you can afford the 18 go for it, if not go for the 12 Glenlivet or the Laphraoig.