Recommendations Please

[dinmax82]

Long time cognac drinker starting to convert to Single Malts. It seems like smooth/not hot/burning single malts can be had for cheaper than comparable cognacs. IMHO anyways.

My recent scotch history
Glenlivet 12 - horrible, three drinks and I was done with the bottle, just too strong like a cheap drunk's drink to me
Glenfiddich 15 - a step up but still strong and not very smooth, I could discern some decent flavors out of it though, bottle was just finished last night
Macallan 18 yr Sherry - the smoothest so far, just a slight tingle of flavors
Balvenie 21 Portwood - has the most flavors so far, sizzles like rock pops on the tongue, a little hot on the sides of the mouth though but well worth it for the all the sensations you get when drinking it

I would like to stay under the $250 price range, cheaper is better but not at the cost of smoothness as I would like to be able to enjoy Scotch and not wince, otherwise I'd drink VSOP Cognac or Crown!

Recommendations for a considerable step up from Glenfiddich 15 would be nice. The next two I'm planning on trying are the Macallan Cask Strength and Balvenie Doublewood.

[jwise]

You're not ready for cask strength. It hits like a ton of bricks and coomands attention.

Try Aberlour 18. VERY smooth. In fact, I think it is too smooth. I prefer the 16 for this reason.

[jwise]

Auchentoshan Three Wood is very smooth, and deliciously sherried. Worth a try, and its cheaper than Mac 18 ($150) and Aberlour 18 ($100).

[BourbonDrinker]

The Macallan cask strength discontinued. If you want to try it out, it's now or never. I really like it. :(
I've gone with the Aberlour A'bunadh instead. You can always temper it with a splash of good water.
You might like the Great King Street blend from Compass Box. It's a boutique blend for the aficionados, not the usual mass produced swill. Super smooth, tasty, affordable.

[BourbonDrinker]

I'll make another oddball recommendation for you.
Yamazaki 18. It's only about $130. Very smooth, complex and subtly different from Scottish single malt. It's been a favorite of mine for a couple years. Definitely not too hot and spirity. If be surprised if you didn't like it, and I guarantee you that you won't be dumping it out.
While you're ordering that, pick up a bottle of Hibiki 12 for fun, it's a Japanese blended whisky. You'll be amazed at how good and complex a $50 blend can be. Nothing like the Scottish blends. The Japanese grain alcohol is much smoother and floral. I suspect you'll like it's sweetness.

[dinmax82]

Thanks guys.

I did try the Macallan Cask Strength and it was smooth and not hot, but the flavors were too subtle for me.

[Islay Peat]

...pick up a bottle of Hibiki 12 for fun, it's a Japanese blended whisky. You'll be amazed at how good and complex a $50 blend can be. Nothing like the Scottish blends. The Japanese grain alcohol is much smoother and floral. I suspect you'll like it's sweetness.I've tried both the Hibiki 17 and 12, with a strong preference for the 12, although I definitely liked the older version as well.
Taketsuru 12 is supposed to be available soon and the 17 year version took best blend in the world for 2012.