YIKES, I just got a look at that price! When I bought the sampler, it came with the exact same bottles you have there, but it was $80, IIRC. Same experience with Total Wine, the small Blue was almost as much as I paid for the sampler, although I bought my sampler at a Woodman's (regional grocery superstore, I think, but great liquor selection).
I've also had the Double Black, which I like more than the Black. There's a bit of smokiness to it, seemingly without the peat, or at least the peat was reserved enough that I really didn't notice it.
I've come to the conclusion that people are often introduced to Scotch by other Scotch fans, but they hit them with a peaty version, or if they haven't tried it, they're afraid to try it on the chance that they're going to get one of those peaty versions they've heard so much about, and end up hating it. I'm a cheapskate, as I said before, and I REALLY dislike the peat versions that just taste like I'm drinking an iodine and seaweed shake, but that's why there's so many different versions. Just like beers, there's something for everyone's palate and preferences, so it ain't wrong to like what you like, even if it's not for me.
I still have my bottle of Laphroaig sitting on the shelf with exactly half a shot missing from it. It's waiting for a peaty Scotch fan to visit, and finish it off for me. For those who say they don't really like Scotch, Glenlivet has never failed to be acceptable, and I've found Tomatin Dualchas to be a close second for people to try. Neither is a snooty expensive bottle, and those who were hesitant to try Scotch seem surprised by how easy-drinking they both are.
