Whenever I restock my liquor cabinet, aside from picking up my old favorites, I can never resist the temptation of trying something new, which I guess means that my collection is always expanding.

I am particularly delighted with my latest pick: The Balvenie Double Wood 12 Year single malt. This stuff is actually matured in two different kinds of wood, hence the name. The first cask is the traditional whisky oak and the second is actually sherry oak, and I must say it really works wonders into this Scotch, making it a particularly good companion for a good cigar.

The color is rich with a deep amber hue. The nose is quite prominent and has recognizable notes of Oloroso sherry, vanilla, some honey and some underlying tobacco.

The palate is ever so smooth. Sweet notes of nuts and spices dominate early on with caramel and vanilla surfacing before the end with a good note of sherry. The finish is long, smoky and warm.

I paired this with the new Cuban Cohiba Maduro 5 and I sank into my leather chair like an old man into a warm bath.