At home, we are well and truely 'out numbered' with children. Quiet moments come at a premium. Occasionally though, there comes a time in the afternoon when I have made the final car journey, and I find I have a moment prior to starting the dinner, doing the baths and a final tidy up.

It is on these rare occasions that I brew a cup of Darjeeling tea, pour a small glass of Glenmorangie and then just sit.

Glenmorangie is my absolute favourite of the affordable single malts. My present 35 cl bottle cost me ten pounds from Sainsburys where it was on offer for Christmas. You can expect to pay about £22 full price for a 70 cl bottle.

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Glenmorangie means 'Valley of Tranquillity' in Gaelic, and the name refers to the distillery's idyllic setting on the banks of the Dornoch Firth in the far North of Scotland.

The distillery was established in 1843, and now as then, the crafting of Glenmorangie is still entrusted to the Sixteen Men of Tain - sixteen individuals who are soley responsible for producing this whisky.

The key component to the flavour of whisky is the water used.

Glenmorangie is made from water from the springs of the Tarlogie springs, which rise a mile over the head of the distillery. The water begins as rain falling on the Hill of Tain and then filters down through lime and sandstone rocks, emerging up to 100 years later, as mineral rich spring water.

The whisky is then matured for ten years in bourbon oak casks in stone built, earth floored warehouses.

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Glenmorangie Distillery describes its whisky as having ' a light honeyed sweetness fused with notes of citrus, vanilla and almonds.'

When you first open the bottle, you are first of all struck by its sweetness. Above the alcohol are definate notes of sugared almonds.

I love it because it is such a warm and accessible whisky. The flavour is light, but at the same time complex and the warm rich firey flavours play out on your tongue. There is no peatiness - that aggresive chemical taste that can seem aggressive in some whisky and bourbon.

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I love to drink single malt because I love its timelessness, complexity and warmth. I love the history, and the craft and care that go into its production. I love the way the fire of the alcohol blends with the delicacy of its flavours.

Glenmorangie is not the best single malt I have tasted. But it is my favourite. Its gentleness makes it accessible, but it's fire and complexity provides rare moments of sanctuary and solice.