Recommendations

You could try Dalwhinnie 15, Clynelish 14, McCallan 12 or Strathisla 12. All those are light and complex And if you wanna retry some smoky stuff after these gentle giants, I think Caol Ila 12 would be a nice reintroduction. Its not too smoky and has some extra fresh and creamy flavors as well. Have fun!

@Basilios @PeatyZealot I really think u would like the macallan 12 and dalwhinnie. The "Smokey" flavor from the peat that you are not accostomed to may one day be ur best friend or you may never like it. I recently have had my "aha" moment with peat and love it but the key is drink what u like and enjoy the great world of whiskey!

@Nolinske Which of the Islays made you go AHA? My first one was Laphroaig 10 and I didnt know what to make of the taste. I thought iodine belongs in a wound, smoke in a cigar and coals belong in an oven haha. But after 2 years of sampling a lot of different high/low/spey single malts and some quality bourbons, I returned to a Lagavulin 16 and BAM I was sold haha and now I almost exclusively drink peated malt.

@PeatyZealot I went with Ardbeg 10 and took to the smoke pretty much instantly and haven't looked back! I need to be more adventurous but I love the sweet smoke of ardbeg!

Thanks for the replies guys. Some good suggestions, ill have to do some more sampling it seems.

Off to buy some bottles in the name of research!;)

If you liked the Balvenie Double Wood. I would suggest either Glen Farclas or Glengoyne.

@Basilios Try the Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak

Similar to Balvenie Doublewood i'd recommenrd Glenfarclas 12. Though not too similar to Balvenie DW, I also highly recommend Glenmorangie Original 10 Yr.

I will chime in here with a recommendation for the McCallan 12 Sherry Oak, which I think you will find to be similar to the Belvenie. I would also recommend the Glenmorangie Original 10 yr, which is different, but has a light, sweet character (yet complex). If you enjoy the Glenmorangie (and I think you will), you can explore the extra-matured line to see how you find different wood finishes - port (Quinta Ruban), sherry (LaSanta), and sauternes (Nectar D'or). Happy hunting!

I agree with all those who said to try the Glenmorangie Original. This is similar to The Balvenie Doublewood. I also recommend the Ardbeg 10, it will blow your socks off (in a good way).

@Krau good call on the other Glenmorangies. The Quinta Ruban and Nector D'or are outstanding.

My personal recommendations would be Macallan 12 yr old Fine Oak, Glenfarclas 12 yr old is lovely, Aberlour 10 yr old is very nice and easy going. Glenmorangie 10 yr old and Nectar D'or are both very nice whiskies as well. You also might enjoy the Dalmore 12 yr old or the Auchentoshan Triple Wood.

Let us know what you wind up going with and your thoughts on it!

I'd try the Balvenie 15 Single barrel or Glendronach 15, though about $30 more than doublewood. My buddies who are just learning about scotch really seem to like these two. Also, the Highland Park 12 is usually well received for people just starting out. It does have some peat but it's very mild and includes some gentle honey sherry flavors....very smooth and easy drinking with a great price tag...probably a few dollars cheaper than Doublewood.

anCnoc 12yr, Old Pulteney 12 yr, Glenmorangie 10 yr, and Aberlour 12 yr are all easy drinking, and exceptionally affordable single malts.

If ya want a pinch of peat/smoke - the Highland Park 12 yr might be for you.