Describing a shitcoin varies from person to person. An alt that made you good money doesn't mean that it's a promising one. So please be honest, and if you ever have to sell your btc, what would you buy with them?
My first vote to Monero, for privacy reasons. Fuk ZEC and its "optional privacy" which is NOT a privacy actually. DASH? Lol, no privacy. Another bitcoin clone methinks.
Second one is Ethereum, there is no serious competitor in smart contract area.
I cannot find third one. Maybe NANO.
Associating sentimental value is the biggest mistake you can do as a trader. You should treat every coin equally. Be opportunist, not follower. You aren't buying clothes or car that you have to use for a time being. Rather you are buying coin having zero utility to you other than being investment item. So instead of differentiating coins on the basis of features, better study the market performance if your sole motive is to earn profits.