The Timorous Beastie 12 Year Old Mid Autumn Festival Edition is a rare and elegant limited release from Douglas Laing & Co., created to celebrate the harmony and reflection of the Mid Autumn Festival, a time of gathering, gratitude, and illumination. Bottled at 46.8% ABV, this small batch Highland blended malt pays tribute to the season with a beautifully balanced whisky that combines sweetness, spice, and warmth. It’s an exquisite expression of both Highland craftsmanship and the artistry that defines Douglas Laing’s independent bottlings.

Product Details:

Tasting Profile:

Nose: Delicate and floral with aromas of honeycomb, vanilla pod, and orchard fruits. Layers of heather, nutmeg, and lemon zest emerge as it opens.
Palate: Smooth and rounded. Flavors of malted barley, golden syrup, and cinnamon are enriched by soft oak, toasted nuts, and a hint of spiced apple. Elegant yet vibrant, capturing the warmth of autumn.
Finish: Long and satisfying with lingering honey, citrus peel, and gentle Highland spice.

Production Details:

Composed entirely of Highland single malts, this whisky has been matured for 12 years in select oak casks chosen for their balance of sweetness and structure. Bottled non-chill filtered and with natural color, the Mid Autumn Festival Edition reflects Douglas Laing’s dedication to authenticity, allowing the whisky’s natural texture and flavor to shine. The special edition packaging, featuring the full moon and golden motifs, symbolizes prosperity and unity.

Perfect For:

An ideal dram for moments of reflection or celebration, perfect for sharing with friends and family under the autumn moon. A refined companion for after dinner gatherings, moonlit evenings, or simply savoring in quiet appreciation.

Expert Notes:

Whisky commentators call this release “a graceful Highland malt with poetic depth”, capturing both the season’s spirit and Douglas Laing’s signature blending mastery. It’s approachable yet complex, with a balance of light fruit, spice, and honeyed malt that resonates beautifully with the festival’s themes.

Customer Reviews:

“Soft, elegant, and deeply comforting, the perfect autumn whisky.” Elaine M.
“Timorous Beastie always delivers, but this edition is something special.” Victor H.
“Golden honey and gentle spice, a whisky that feels like a warm night in.” Marcus P.

Interesting Fact:

The Timorous Beastie range takes its name from the mouse in Robert Burns’ poem “To a Mouse”, a nod to Scotland’s poetic tradition and the whisky’s hidden strength beneath its gentle charm. This Mid Autumn Festival Edition extends that symbolism globally, celebrating light, balance, and unity through whisky.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve neat or with a splash of water to release layers of fruit and honey. Enjoy alongside mooncakes, roasted nuts, or baked apple desserts, which complement its sweet-spiced profile. Best served at room temperature (18–20°C) to capture its full aromatic range.

Distillery Background:

Founded in 1948, Douglas Laing & Co. remains one of Scotland’s most revered family-run independent bottlers. Known for its regional blended malts, including Scallywag, Big Peat, and Rock Island, the Timorous Beastie range celebrates the elegance of Highland whisky. The 12 Year Old Mid Autumn Festival Edition stands as a testament to that heritage: a whisky that unites cultures and craftsmanship, embodying both Scottish tradition and the timeless spirit of celebration.