well it's not massively peaty but the talisker distillers are a big improvement on the 10yo IMO.
Peaty well it's kind of the islay set isn't it?
Caol Ila
Lagavullin
Port Ellen
Port Charlotte (originals, not the Bruichladdich rebranding)
Ardberg
Laphroaig
However every now and then you find an indy bottling of a usually non-or lightly peated that has been peated up. Bunnahabhain did one a few years back via Gordon & MacPhail and it was only 8yo but really rather excellent considering its then price tag of just £35.
edit sorry you said to balance it....
mid peat: Oban, Highland Park, Ardmore
coastal and light: Clynelish and Old Pultney
Lowlands: Glenkinchie, Auchentoshan
Highlands: Tomatin
Dufftown: Mortlach
Speyside: Dalwhinnie, Knockando, Glen Moray
Sherried: I'd look for a Dalmore, sherried Glenfiddich 18yo (though I've had good and bad ones so ymmv), or one of the more affordable Macallans
specials - check out Fire and Cane Glenfiddich, not too pricey, rum and smoke edge to it, not bad I think. Nicer than their Vintage (peated) offering IMO.