If a whisky smells smokey then it is peated. There are alot of people who don't like smokey whiskys and conversely people who only drink them. Do you know what type your father favours?
Try looking for one called Signet then. It'll be just a touch over £100 or a bottle of Glenfiddich Snow Pheonix. Both are limited to a few thousand bottles and they are both 'one offs'.
Bit of a cop out, but picked up a Glenmorangie presentation pack with some glasses. £35 - he'll have to wait until I next visit Japan and I'll get him a nice Suntory.