Nice synopsis. I remember having some newbie friends over a couple years ago for a tasting. I basically served them Johnnie Walker Red and Black, did drams of each with and without a cube or two just to show them how much it changes. For me, it has always been an afterdinner thing.
The first bottle I ever bought was Jameson, remember making coffees and such. Little starchy for me now. About once a year I'll pick up a Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, or a Johnnie for a special occasion around the house. Mother-in law lives on Dewars and soda, when she's not on the top shelf, its King Edwards or White horse. They bought me a subscription to a single malt of the month club one year and the stuff was raw lighter fluid nuclear :sick: