Douglas Laing Debuts Pair Of 18-Year-Old Vatted Scotch Whiskies

Scotch whisky independent bottler Douglas Laing is launching a pair of new vatted (blended) Scotch whiskies tied to two of their existing brand labels. Both expressions are in the 18-year-old range, and also regional in nature, meaning each one represents a specific whisky making region of Scotland.

The first, the Timorous Beastie 18-Year-Old, is, according to those behind it, a Highland vatted malt that is offered without coloring or chill-filtration. Bottled at at 46.8% alcohol strength, it is packaged in a gift tube with copper foil detail. The third release under the brand to carry an age statement, this expression follows 2016’s 40 Years Old and 21 Years Old bottlings.

Joining it is the Islands-influenced Rock Oyster 18-Year-Old, a maritime marriage of malts distilled on Arran, Islay, Jura and Orkney. It too is offered without coloring or chill-filtration, at an alcohol strength of 46.8%. The packaging reflects its origins, sporting a detailed illustration of a sailboat battling stormy seas off Scotland’s west coast.

“The launch of this pair of feisty yet mature teenagers is an exciting development for Douglas Laing,” said Fred Laing, Douglas Laing & Co.’s Managing Director, in a prepared statement. “Joining our recently-launched Scallywag 13 Years Old, our Remarkable Regional Malts range is expanding and growing up, delivering a comprehensive and dynamic range of credible yet fun Scotch Whiskies for the specialist retail channel.”

Both bottlings should be coming available now. As for official tasting notes, they are very limited. The Timorous is said to have “gentle spices, complemented by honey, vanilla and juicy barley.” The Rock Oyster, meanwhile, is “a blast of sea air, tobacco and sweet peat.”