I found this whisky taste map a useful guide when I came across it propped up in a couple of bars in Glasgow. I didn't need any encouragement to try something new, but this gives you confidence to order something that's likely to be to your taste.

On the chart, Aberlour is veering towards rich, rather than light, but delicate, rather than smoky.

I once explained to a barman that I found the peaty Islay malts too overpowering, so he pointed me in the direction of Old Pulteney, and it has now become my malt of choice - especially when it's on "Rollback" at Asda, as it is at the moment; £21 instead of £27 or £28. But I've enjoyed some of the other Highlands or Speysides when I can get them: Springbank, Glen Ord and Oban, which I first tried when we were staying not too far from Oban. Like wine, it aways seems to taste better in the place it's come from!

I find whisky is good for any ailment, as well, not just colds. It doesn't actually cure anything, but after two or three I stop caring that I've got it ...