Usquaebach Scotch Whisky Adds an Ultra-Premium Offering

Usquaebach Scotch Whisky, (pronounced “oos-ke-bah”) is one of those blended whisky brands with a long history behind it. As the story goes, it was made for over three generations by the Laing family in the Scottish Highlands. We recently reviewed their Reserve and ‘Old-Rare” expressions, finding both to be rather reliable drams, and now we bring you word of the newest offering to join this stable – the “ultra-premium” Usquaebach An Ard Ri Cask Strength (translated from Gaelic as “the high king”).

Usquaebach An Ard Ri Cask Strength, according to those behind it, is a blend of more than 20 single malt casks, aged between 10 and 21 years. These casks, drawn from Master Blender Stewart H. Laing’s personal collection, were selected from a range of Highlands whiskies, including Inchgower, Benrinnes, Craigellachie, Glengoyne, Dailuaine, Blair Athol, and Auchroisk.

An Ard Ri has been bottled at cask strength, which in this case means 57.1% ABV. It is housed in a gold and blue variation of Usquaebach’s signature flagon bottle and is limited to 2,000 bottles for this release. Usquaebach has priced it at around $200.

“The Usquaebach An Ard Ri is a statement piece that satisfies the palates of modern blended Scotch drinkers, who demand smoothness at a higher proof, and above all else, authenticity,” said Sean Perry, owner of Usquaebach importer Cobalt Brands, in a prepared statement. “With this pure example of highlands malt whisky, we’ve managed to stay true to our Scottish roots while bringing to market a cask strength whisky that can be enjoyed on its own, without the addition of water.”

Very limited tasting notes for this whisky suggest that, on the nose, the An Ard Ri exhibits marzipan, brioche, and burnt orange peel, followed by notes of honey, leather, dried fruits, and brown sugar on the palate.