Well, we all know what raw skin is. If you subject skin to high temperature, when it turns golden-brown, fat renders and oozes out—you're literally burning the skin. That's what imparts the flavor. And I don't mean charred.
I don't have a fave, but I mostly enjoy single malts aged 15+. Some single malt blends are good too, like JW Green Label (great value). I very, very rarely drink anymore, so higher cost for better scotch is easier to justify.