Quote Originally Posted by SteveS View Post
Macallans are good whiskies, but, if you like big, heavy flavors, and pairing with cigars, you should try some of the Islay malts. The peat-smoke flavors tend to go well with cigars. Laphroaig 10, Lagavulin 16, and any Ardbeg would all be excellent choices. If you really want to put some hair on your chest, Laphroaig Cask is a beautiful, heavyweight whisky.
I know a lot of people love the heavier whiskies like those you mention but I really don't think they're a good choice for somebody who hasn't tried malts before. Macallan (or something equally smooth) is much better as a starter - I've know people be put off by the more "interesting" whiskies on their first try.