Douglas Laing Timorous Beastie (70cl, 46.8%)

Timorous Beastie is a Highland blended malt from Douglas Laing, bottled at 46.8% in a 70cl bottle. It is made entirely from Highland single malts, with no grain whisky, and the blend includes Dalmore, Glen Garioch and Blair Athol. It is non-chill-filtered and of natural colour. The name comes from Robert Burns's shy field mouse, and the whisky belongs to the Remarkable Regional Malts series. The nose offers honeyed oats, malted barley and lemon zest with a little cinnamon and heather. The palate is lively and textured, with vanilla fudge, toasted spice, dried apricot and nutmeg. The finish is warming and long, with ginger biscuits, clove and enough oak to frame the sweetness.