when we went to Scotland earlier this year we did not buy a lot of the longer aged scotches because they were not in the tastings. so, we brought home a lot of 10 & 12 year stuff which honestly, we quite enjoy. one of the ones we really enjoyed (which was mentioned above) is Edradour. this is the smallest distillery in Scotland and they do NOT export to the US (we took the tour and they broke the sad news to us there). so i would suggest getting a bottle of that. btw, their cream whiskey is to DIE for. it's kind of like Bailey's but 100 times better. we brought home two bottles of that and are savoring it.
Edradour is located in Pitlochry.
as for a higher end - i bought my hubby Ardbeg Uigeadail for christmas (you can find it in some states but not here in PA) and it's FAB. very smooth. it's not yeared because it's a marrying of several of their different aged scotches and recasked in a sherry cask. it's not as peaty as the 10 year and has a wonderful, warm taste. i was honestly shocked that i enjoyed it b/c i'm not a fan of Ardbeg. the cost here in the US is $110 for a bottle.
i'm also a fan of Talisker (slight peat but not much) and it can be found in the US (at least the 10 year). that's around $50 a bottle
also if you like a lighter scotch, as someone else mentioned, Glenkinchie is a good route. on the sweet side and from what i can tell, it's hard to find here in the US.
btw, if you get a chance i suggest doing the Whiskey Experience in Edinburg (on the Royal Mile by the castle). it takes you through the process of how they make scotch, a nosing and also a tasting. they also have quite a large selection at their bar/gift shop. the bar gives you notes on how each tastes so you don't feel like you're just randomly picking something out of a hat.