I find Johnnie Walker Black or Macallan 12 to be perfectly acceptable. JW Double Black is a little too smokey for my taste. I just recently finished the 2 bottles I bought on a trip to Puerto Rico. I've tried Glenlivet, Talisker, Jura. All are acceptable. Right now I'm back to my Macallan 12, although my partner just brought me back a bottle of Macallan Select Oak 12 yr from Europe.

JW Black is about $30, Macallan 12 is about $50. Whatever you do, don't give JW Red. It's drinkable but not much of a gift.