A Friday night after "the longest week ever" is the perfect time for "the gentle dram," Tomintoul 16 Speyside Glenlivet. Crafted by distiller Robert Fleming, this scotch is aged in select bourbon casks for at least 16 years. Its nose reminds me of candied apricots, barley and crackers. With time, a sweet, fruity expression unfolds like a banana split with hot caramel drizzle. Like a good Speyside, this is a gentle scotch indeed. The mouthfeel is full bodied with a blend of light smoke, vanilla and ripe pear. This is one to enjoy neat. The finish is subtle with apple and oak. It's a very smooth dram that like a Houdini trick, disappears too quickly. While it doesn't dazzle with too much flair, I find its simple gentleness comforting. 8/10