Usquaebach "Old Rare" Blended Scotch Whisky porcelain flagon is a vestige of Scotch whisky's history - kept alive as a reminder of a time preceding bottled whisky when travelling merchants and artisans would combine the spirits of the highest caliber single distilleries to create ethereal blends that embodied sophistication and delicacy. With 41 specially selected single malts up to 20 years of age from the Highlands and only 15% high-quality grain whisky in the blend, this classic Scotch whisky offers multi-layered opulence on the palate. Flavors of white pepper, coffee, brushed leather, and zesty lemon peel allow for a mystifying experience from start to finish. The sublime mid-palate and long, blissful finish create an experience that is not easily forgotten. Its quality and finesse has been recognized by connoisseurs and aficionados the world over - notably, Usquaebach "Old Rare" Blended Scotch was served at the 1969 and 1989 Presidential Inaugural Dinners.

Usquaebach Old Rare Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes:

Nose: A rather young-seeming, straightforward, traditional blended nose with a bit of everything. There’s honey, malt syrup, and juicy sweet citrus initially with a little toasted barley and vanilla bean behind. Further back, there’s a subtle bit of youthful rancio, dried grass, and sawn wood…though not necessarily oak.

Palate: Quickly more robust than the nose lets on. A brown sugar sweetness has a tropical, almost Juicy Fruit quality to it that carries on throughout most of the palate. More toasted grain, and some semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla bean lead to more prevalent oak than the nose. Slightly edgy green spice wells up towards to finish; cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, ginger, a little clove, and fine ground pepper.

Finish: Just long enough, with more caramel-y, fruity sweetness, chocolate, and sharp, earthy spice. That subtle impression of smoke sneaks in at the last.

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.