of all the RVW's, the 15yr is the best, IMO.
I have some Black Maple Hill bourbon on hand and I find it's an excellent rounded bourbon
For Scotch, I'm not a peat fan so I prefer highland Scotch like Clynelish (coastal highland). Speyside if nothing else available.. but I tend to ward off islay.
Everyone rants about the 20 being the best, but I honestly prefer the 23 ...... gone through 3 bottles. Value wise, the 15 is easily the best, but if I'm paying the same amount, I'd rather drink the 20.
LOT of other great bourbons that I truly enjoy. Jefferson Prez Reserve 17 and 18 from Stitzel Weller casks (hard to find now, but really easy to find a few years ago), Four Roses Small Batch and Single Barrel Limited, and my favorite inexpensive bourbon, Evan Williams Single Barrel ... less than $24!!
I started out drinking sweeter sherried Scotch, but now I crave the smokey peaty stuff. Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Laphroaig, etc......
Start off with Highland Park, aka the best all-arounder. HP 18 should be on everyone's shopping list!! And then move on from there.
A lot of great bottles out there and it doesn't need to be hideously expensive.
For starter bottles, Macallan 12, Balvenie 12, Cragganmore, and HP 15.