The Tasting Panel magazine

December 2016

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december 2016  /  the tasting panel  /  95 SCOTCH Rare and Storied USQUAEBACH SCOTCH WHISKY HAS A TALE TO TELL by Becky Tsadik W ith a name that means "water of life" in Gaelic, Usquaebach Scotch Whisky represents one of the last vestiges of the world of small-batch Scotch whisky blending—an art form that has been all but forgotten in a market focused on single malts. But, by using only the most immaculate Highland malt and grain casks chosen by a blender with over 50 years of experience, Usquaebach's appeal lies in its finesse and elegance and an incompa- rable smoothness. Usquaebach 'Old-Rare' whisky is contained in a porcelain flagon bottle, a nod to when Scottish whisky was bottled in ceramic. A blend of 41 single malt Scotch whiskies and two high-quality grain whiskies, the spirit expresses a golden color, balanced and smooth texture, with notes of pepper, coffee and sherry on the palate. 96 Points —Anthony Dias Blue Usquaebach Reserve took home a Gold Medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Scottish whiskies aged 16, 17 and 18 years add complexity and depth to the spirit blended with younger whiskies as well. More than 50 percent single malt, the award- winning whisky expresses sherry notes, sweet spice and a pleasant long finish. 92 —ADB Usquaebach 'Old-Rare' whisky is contained in a Usquaebach Reserve took home a Gold Medal at Usquaebach Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, the brand's first new release in two decades, is a collector's item. An Ard Ri or "The High King" in Gaelic, the spirit is blended from more than 20 single malt whisky casks from the Scottish Highlands and crafted to perfections, expressing depth, structure and superior taste of cinnamon and sweet dark chocolate. No grain is added and the whisky is bottled at cask strength, 57.1 percent. The spirit is lastly blended and combined in sherry casks, with the oldest aged malt being 21 years aged. Usquaebach Cask Strength Usquaebach 15 Year Old is warm and full-bodied on the nose, with raisins and pineapple dominating, while a spicy sweetness and round character dance on the palate. The spirit won a Double Gold at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 94 —ADB

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