I have been a big fan of Japanese whisky for years. The rest of the world caught on and price went way up as availability plummeted. The Yoichi 15 is my favorite, sadly it is gone. They have released a NAS version of Yoichi and Miyagikyo which I have not opened yet but have read good things. The Hibiki Harmony is same story, a younger blend as the aged whiskies could not keep up with demand. I have a 12 and 17 so I'm good for now. Hakushu 12 is still fairly easy to acquire.

The Aberlour Abunahd is wicked good stuff. Cask strength at about 121 proof, what a sherry bomb, love love it!

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I've preferred the Glencairn glass for years, and still do. A coworker gifted me a set of Norlan glasses over the holidays and I do like the color effect and I agree it does seem to magnify the aroma.

+1 on the Balvenie Doublewood 12 or Caribbean Cask 14. For a more affordable option I think Glenmorangie 10 is very nice.

Bourbon does not vary as much as scotch, imo. I like them all. You might try the Jim Beam small batch releases...Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, Bookers. I started with Basil on ice, no problem with that. I only drink whisky neat at this point but ice is fine just enjoy your whisky your way. Bookers is 120+ proof so be warned, but the barrel strength bourbons bring a huge jump in flavor.

You remind me i felt exactly the same way. As the ice melted it mellows the bourbon and can bring out some different flavors. I was sipping it that way every day until that first bottle was gone, the hook was set. As my collection started to grow I started sipping the whiskey straight. I think it's about time I threw an ice cube into my bourbon again. I used whisky stones once, meh didn't work for me.
Aobrien5 is right, adding small amounts of water can bring out different flavors in your whisky. Start neat, than add a few drops or a spoon of water and see how it changes.

That lonely bottle of Redbreast on the bottom shelf, that's no fair!! One of my favorites as Irish Whiskey goes.

I'm enjoying Belvanie Carribean Cask 14 year this evening. Never had Old Pultney, so many scotches to try and i'm no expert, will put that on my to do list. Love Ardbeg, have a bottle of Airigh Nam Beist I have to crack into one of these days..,

Yep, it is finished in rum barrels. Very nice, if you like Balvenie you will like this one.