Scotch is distilled in regions and is quite different from region to region. My personal favourites are Islay whiskeys, Lagavulin, Bruichladdich, Bowmore. They are an aquired taste and are quite "peaty", "smokey" and some have a mild iodine aftertaste. Bowmore is probably the best value starting in the $50's but Lagavulin is my personal choice. As a bottle will last me a month, I don't mind the $90+.
Highland and Lowland malts are a little more mainstream. The Grant distillery in Speyside produces some nice whiskeys, Balvenie is one of the best in my opinion. Again from $50ish per bottle for bog standard 12 year old to $150 for an amazing 21 year old Portwood.
Grab a book or two from the library as a good start.
By the way Ken, there are no garbage malts, just some are more average than the others.
John..