Timorous Beastie Blended Malt

Nose: A bit light, with youngish meaty and flowery smells. A trace of alcohol, but not overwhelming. Citrus notes are blended with the flowery smells. Not much going on and sadly, it's not very pleasing. I do enjoy the sweet, floral citrus, but there's nothing else good here. Palate: This is more robust and substantial than anticipated, with less of an odd funk. There's a touch of a typical grainy funk, but it's actually somewhat pleasant. I notice more burn than expected and taste some sharp alcohol, but it's not too intense. It's curious how the burn has a prickly spice rather than just being harsh. Hints of lemon and lime. That rich graininess is rather nice. Faint hints of vanilla. The overall character is still quite light, but it's less bland than I'd guessed from the aroma. Finish: Grain, but not the most prominent aspect, citrus, spice with some alcohol. Not a lot happening. - Verdict - This is quite acceptable. It shows some good scotch qualities and isn't excessively sulphuric, but it's somewhat raw and lacks distinct character. McIvor 17 (16/23) is considerably richer and fuller with more oily wood notes. It's smoother and easier to drink and is obviously superior. The taste here is considerably better than The Sexton (9/23). I'm placing this around a 12. It's adequate. I think it's a bit too burny for a 13, but I could see it. I could also see an 11, but a 13 seems more plausible.

Continuing my exploration of Douglas Laing's core offerings, I'm reviewing the visually striking Timorous Beastie today. Its label features a mouse in honor of Robert Burns' poem 'To a Mouse.' This Highland blended malt from Douglas Laing is bottled at 46.8% ABV, a blend of Dalmore, Glengoyne, and Glen Garioch. The nose presents dry brown cake, tobacco, and cigarette notes – quite appealing. The palate starts with sweet honey, then becomes slightly spicy but is wonderfully constructed. A clove and ginger finish, mouth-drying, and beautifully balanced. These Douglas Laing whiskies may not have numerous flavor descriptors, but the ones present are excellent. I rate this 92 out of 100 and would definitely purchase a bottle for the $45-50 asking price. Cheers!

A blended malt Scotch from Douglas Laing, composed solely of Highland whiskies from distilleries such as Dalmore, Glen Garioch, and Glengoyne. The name references Robert Burns' poem 'To a Mouse' and his wit; while the mouse in the poem is timid, this whisky is anything but! It begins delicately with hints of acacia honey, creamy fruit sweets (strawberry flavor), dried apricots, white grapes, sherry, a whisper of sea air, and classic Highland heather. Its rich middle brings notes of dried fruit, green apples, spice, oak, caramel, anise, and sweet malt loaf, along with pebble beaches and more heather. It concludes with a long, drying finish of hot cinnamon sweets and fresh bread. Bottled February 2018, reviewed August 2022.

Drawing its name from a poem by Robert Burns, Timorous Beastie is a Highland blended malt composed of whiskies from Blair Athol, Glengoyne, Dalmore, and Glen Garioch. Initially a little challenging, the aroma gradually reveals butterscotch and strong floral notes, followed by heather honey, citrus, and juniper. The palate offers a pleasant spice and ginger character, with notes of crushed berries, smooth vanilla, and a hint of eucalyptus. This spirited dram is quite assertive! The conclusion mellows into notes of milky grains, licorice, and subtle sweet malt, finishing with a touch of dryness and nuttiness. I'd call it decent. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 83 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE

Nose is floral with some vanilla, as one would expect from a blend of Highland spirits. Palate is light wood, spice, honey and sweetness. Finish is short and spicy. A very light pour.

It smells like malt vinegar, mead, pollen, and peat from the highlands. The palate has a thin, oily feel. At its heart, you'll find stewed fruit alongside notes of vanilla, beeswax, and peat from inland areas. From beginning to end, this whisky offers a bit of an alcoholic tingle. The finish is cozy and earthy. It's enjoyable to analyze, but I'm not sure I'd want to keep drinking it from a regular-sized bottle. I do, however, appreciate that malt vinegar aroma.