There's usually a good reason why some brands become more ore popular than others...
Yes because people are afraid to try it... at one point macallan 18 was $150/bottle and people were afraid to try it... now it got popular and its $250.
Why is glenfarclas 17 $80 at some places and $150 at others? People are starting to find out about it and price goes up..
IMHO one should try various kinds as many as possible and find ones they like/love and scoop more of those bottles and continue to try more and more (within health capabilities).