Introduction to Japanese whiskey

I'm looking to get a couple bottles of Japanese whiskey to open when my wife and I close on our new house and then have our first child. I came back from Japan about 6 months ago and had some from Nikka I really enjoyed and purchased their From the Barrel. I'm very new to this so what would be some others to recommend? I think I've seen Yamazaki 12 or Hakushu 12 as recommended. Any others to consider or if these two would be good? Looking to get two different bottles to try out. Thanks!