I personally hate Scotch (We Irish have a rivalry thing - after all we were the ones that invented it ;) ) I find scotch to be utterly uncomplex and condescendingly bold. The burn peat takes away from the complexities of the Whiskey.

Recommended Irish Whiskies you should try: - Jameson, regular is available everywhere, it's the most ubiquitous of Irish Whiskies. - Redbreast, highly regarded as one of the most complex, best Irish Whiskies. - Yellow Spot/Green Spot from Jameson is also some of top range. - Teelings - comparable to Irelands' Maccallan, expect complex flavours with bold after tastes.

US whiskeys/whiskys: Makers Mark, Simple, Slightly more complex than JD. Jack Daniels - Sweet and Distilled to near (Irish) perfection ;) Woodford Reserve - One of my favourites Bulleit- Nothing like a rye bourbon for an old fashioned

I'd also suggest you try some whiskey cocktails, if straight is too heavy for you - You can never go wrong with an Old Fashioned, and you can experiment with Ryes/Bourbons Irish Malts for an Old Fashioned.