If he is new to single malt scotch, and doesn't like peat, then I'd recommend something aged in sherry casks, like Macallan 18. It's $140 dollars, but I don't know anyone who doesn't like it. I also don't know anyone who thinks $140 for and 18 year isn't a bit pricey. But it's just damn good.

My other recommendation would be to get him a really good bourbon!! The George T. Stagg in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is fantastic, but at 72% alcohol might not be for everyone.

If you want to venture into the slightly peated (to me), Talisker 18 is very tasty and a good deal at around $70.