The Taste

Speyside already gives us centuries-old classic single malts like the Macallan and the Glenlivet, Aberlour, the Balvenie and Glenfiddich. The brand-new Singleton of Glendullan, a 12-year old from Speyside, has stiff competition. But it's also got some history on its side: The whisky is made at the Glendullan Distillery, which was founded in 1897.

The Singleton has the balance and deeper amber color that comes with aging in Sherry casks, as well as hints of honey-vanilla associated with American bourbon casks. The flask-shaped, oversized bottle is eye-catchingly cool in a retro kind of way. And then there's the taste, sweet with caramel at first and very soft on the palate. Scotch veterans will note layers of vanilla, honey, nuts, perhaps even a hint of leather, and the finish is pleasingly smooth with a wisp of spice.

There's not much wood, no iodine or peat, so those who like tongue-hugging, mouth-coating hooch best look elsewhere. But the Singleton is ideal for a daily dram, and it's also a good bet to turn Scotch newcomers into aficionados.

-- James Oliver Cury