Translated from Gaelic as the water of life, Usquaebach pronounced oos-ke-bah is the etymological root of the modern word whisky. With Usquaebach well face the devil, says Scottish poet Robert Burns in his famous 1791 work Tom OShanter. While the word itself was first trademarked in 1877, the blend used in Usquaebach Blended Scotch Whisky actually dates back to the 1700s, when traveling merchants and artisans would combine spirits from the highest-caliber single distilleries to create fiery, sophisticated blends consumed by people throughout the country's rolling hills. Usquaebach Old Rare Blended Scotch Whisky is crafted by Usquaebach's master blenders, who search for the very best malts and grains from Scotland's most reputable single malt distilleries. The blend contains 41 specially-selected single malts which are up to 20 years old 85% of the blend is comprised of such single malt whiskies, with the remaining 15% made up of blended grain whiskies (the blending has been done by the Laing family in Scotland for over 100 years). As a result, Usquaebach Old Rare Blended Scotch Whisky has noticeable aromas of coffee, tobacco leaf and white pepper. The palate is smooth, with notes of saddle leather and lemon curd leading to a long, complex finish with hints of seasoned oak, charcoal and fresh mint. Usquaebach Old Rare Blended Scotch Whisky was served at the 1969 and 1989 Presidential Inaugural Dinners (for Presidents Nixon and H.W. Bush). 

Usquaebach (Oos: Ke: Bah) is the name derived from the ancient Gaelic phrase, meaning water of life. These are the ancient words from which the word whisky is derived. A pleasant nose of pears, cooked apple, caramel and white pepper leads to a rich, slightly floral palate with layered notes of caramel, citrus and dried fruit. Hints of spice emerge on the lightly peppery finish.

Whiskey: Usquaebach "An Ard Ri" Blended Scotch

A limited edition release of Usquaebach blended malt Scotch whisky, bottled at cask strength and bestowed the name 'An Ard Ri', which translate from Gaelic to 'The High King'. Blue glass bottles (shaped like the classic Usquaebach flagon) were produced, housed in cases that make it look like the bottle is being protected from people being lowered down from the ceiling on a wire to steal it.

Size: 750ML

Proof: 114.2 (57.1% ABV)

Origin: Scotland

Distillery: Bladnoch Distillery

Detailed Description

The An Ard Ri ("The High King" in Gaelic) is the first new release from Usquaebach in nearly 25 years. This cask strength blend is a vatted malt made from more than 20 Highland single malts ranging from 10 to 21 years of age. The casks come from Master Blender Stewart H. Laing's personal collection and the whiskies selected include Inchgower, Benrinnes, Craigellachie, Glengoyne, Dailuaine, Blair Athol, and Auchroisk. Bottled at 57.1%, only 2,000 bottles were produced and released in 2016 within the United States.

Usquaebach "An Ard Ri" Blended Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes

Nose: A rich yet slightly taut, complex nose that's almost savory at times. Initially, there's light, floral honey, overripe pineapple, honeydew melon, and a mineral, almost white wine fruitiness. Close behind, malt syrup, cereal flakes, and leftover cereal milk mingle with almond extract and a hint of toasted pecans. There are some subtle old library notes, smooth and worn oak, and leather, and mild spice notes of vanilla bean, peppercorns, allspice, dried star anise, and clove. Behind all of this, loitering in the shadows, is a faint hint of peat. Adding a little water adds a bit of citrus sweetness, plays up the milky malt a bit more and gives everything a little more room to breath.

Palate: A quite nice, lush, viscous mouthfeel. There's darker honey now, along with juicy raisins, prunes, and mixed tropical fruits. While there's still notes of caramelized grain, there's additional hints of bittersweet chocolate, and a more pronounced nuttiness salted almonds and candied walnuts. The oak is sturdier but still of the old library variety. The spices are stronger and lightly herbal with quite a bit of black pepper and raw ginger, Vietnamese cinnamon, clove, and a bit of fennel. As with the nose, water brings out more citrus and a bit more nutty complexity.

Finish: A slightly wine-y, honey and raisin sweetness fades slowly along with a slightly bitter nuttiness, and a mix of tannic oak and spice.

Distillery Information

Bladnoch Distillery is a Single malt Scotch whisky distillery in south west Scotland. It is one of six remaining Lowland distilleries, located at Bladnoch, near Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway. The distillery is situated on the banks of the River Bladnoch, and is the most southerly whisky distillery in Scotland.

The Usquaebach 15-Year Blended Malt is a marriage of some of the finest Highland single malts, aged carefully for at least 15 years and some as old as 20 in oak and sherry casks. When purity and strength is what is desired, this beautiful yet masculine Scotch whisky delivers robust aromas and intense richness.

Recognized throughout the whisky-drinking world for its quality, the 15-Year Blended Malt has won numerous accolades, including the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition.

Bottle Size: 750ml