When I lived in Scotland there was no "best malt" - variety is the spice of life - I'd have a half a dozen bottles from speyside (from towns where we played golf) - another half dozen from the west coast and then several from the Islands up north and of course a few from the highlands and a couple from the lowlands. Now I am nolonger in Scotland I simply keep six bottles - I stick with Lagavulin - Talisker - Oban - Cragganmore - Glenkinichie - Dalwhinnie - to which I throw in a few with a port wood finish and other distinct colorations. These are all easy to find and relatively cheap/good value and will cover the range that you need for guests (actually a great marketing ploy from United Distillers) - to me there is no best - only what you happen to feel like depending on your mood, the weather and your meal.
Best single-malt Scotch...
I have to give credit to Redwiki for the inspiration to start this thread. Yes, certain malts better compliment certain music or certain moods. Of the fifteen or so different malts in my cabinet right now, my favorites are: Aberlour "Antique", similar to the popular Macallan, but not as syrupy; a bit drier, light hearted and less complicated; great with Mozart and Brubeck. Mortlach "Limited Edition" cask strength. Powerful, smoky, mysterious. Great with Bartok, Berg and late 'Trane. Loch Morar 25 yr old. Incredibly complex and intense, with a hint of honey and flowers. Great with Poulenc, Stravinsky and Bill Evans. Any other single-malt aficionados out there?