Douglas Laing released a limited Winter Edition of its Timorous Beastie Highland malt Scotch whisky. It is 100% sherry matured and a blend of three whiskies. In 2019 we had a 16 years old Winter Edition, in 2020 it’s an 18 Year Old.
Timorous Beastie 18 yo ‘The Winter Edition’ (44,9%, Douglas Laing 2020, sherry matured, 450 btl.)
Nose: starts on oranges with clove, sour red berries, ground coffee beans and a hint of spiced chocolate. Cardamom and ginger as well. Raisins underneath. A little heather. It’s quite reserved and a little high-pitched, but the wintery sherry character is definitely here.
Mouth: a soft onset, but it quickly picks up intensity, more than you’d expect from the fairly moderate ABV. Sour berries, red plums and lots of orange peel. Crushed mint leaves, pine and a hint of charred wood. Then the spices return: clove, cinnamon. Some gingerbread too.
Finish: quite long, now more woody with oak spice, tart berries and a hint of bitter coffee.
Quite a nice surprise. The blend shows typical European oak spice but also a vibrant fruity side. Still available from Douglas Laing direct, now with a discount, making it even better value for money.