Whisky Review Round Up: Usquaebach (Reserve,‘Old-Rare’ Superior Blend)

Suavely eases onto the tongue with sweetness and texture of a creamy caramel with a hint of smoke. While dominated by the sweet caramel flavor, the whisky gives light tingles to the tongue and sides of the mouth while taking on a faint undertone of mulling spices. Leaves the tongue with faint tingles, but mostly the caramelly sweetness persists for another minute or so. Final Thoughts: While not extraordinarily distinctive or complex, the Usquaebach a reliable choice of scotch with a lot of bang for its buck, particularly if you’re looking for a sweeter scotch. It has a bit of a bite to it with a touch of smoke – likely far too sweet those more disposed to a peaty scotch – but by and large, Usquaebach has a friendly, easy-going character that novices and long-time scotch drinkers alike can appreciate. Score: 84/100 [SHOP FOR A BOTTLE OF USQUAEBACH RESERVE] Tasting Notes: Usquaebach ‘Old-Rare’ Vital Stats: 43 percent alcohol by volume, blend of 41 single malt whiskies up 20 years old with blended with two single grain whiskies aged in sherry oak hogshead casks making up about 15 percent of the blend. Appearance: Packaged in a quaint, white and goldenrod crock – usually 750 milliliters, but the sample came in a miniature, 50-milliliter version of the crock. Nose: Like the Reserve, the initial whiff of Old-Rare takes on the aroma of vanilla, but this scent is deeper, earthier, and more complex, with sweetness tempered by a hint of clove and nutmeg. Palate: The first taste hits the tongue like a mellow honey, but again that sweetness is gradually brought in line by building taste of baking spices and allspice with a faint bite as Old-Rare gradually coats the tongue. Swallowing leaves the tongue coated with earthy, mildly-spicy sweetness and begs for another sip. Final Thoughts: Still on the sweeter side of Scotch, Usquaebach Old-Rare is quite complex and rich compared to its sister Usquaebach Reserve. While both are dominated by a sweet, smooth vanilla flavor, Old-Rare evokes spicy, earthy flavors that leave the Reserve tasting a bit bland in comparison. Although Old-Rare is unsurprisingly triple the price, a taste may make it difficult to go back to its less expensive counterpart. Score: 90/100 [SHOP FOR A BOTTLE OF USQUAEBACH OLD RARE]