Well, I didn't want to be tooooo prescriptive to a newbie; you'll note that I prefaced the ice comment with "if you must". I offered ice simply as an additional option, and you have to admit it's a damn sight better than coke or ginger ale....?
Nah, sod it. You're right.
Triggaaar - no ice...
A single malt will, to nearly every palate, be nicer than a blend. But considerably more expensive. If you want to try a single malt, I'd start with a Speyside. There are two basic types: light and slightly grassy (e.g. Glenlivet) or somewhat richer, often with a sherry-like undertone (e.g...