Usquaebach An Ard Ri, Gaelic for "the high king", is a cask-strength blended malt Scotch whisky bottled at 57.1% ABV. Launched in 2016 as Usquaebach's first new blend in nearly 25 years, it was produced in a limited run of 2,000 bottles.
The blend brings together more than 20 single malt casks aged between 10 and 21 years, selected by master blender Stewart Laing from his personal collection of Highland whiskies, including Inchgower, Benrinnes, Craigellachie, Glengoyne, Dailuaine, Blair Athol and Auchroisk. The final blend was married and finished in sherry casks. Usquaebach takes its name from the Gaelic for "water of life", the word from which "whisky" itself derives.
On the nose come marzipan, brioche and burnt orange peel, with allspice, cardamom and pipe tobacco. The palate brings honey, leather, dried fruits and brown sugar, with white pepper, clove and a hint of coconut, and the finish is long and sweet, with bitter orange and spice. Whisky Advocate scored it 91 points.
Presented in Usquaebach's iconic deep blue stoneware flagon, individually numbered, it is a magnificent gift and a showpiece for any collection.
Usquaebach suggests enjoying it neat in a proper nosing glass with a few drops of purified water.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Marzipan, brioche, burnt orange peel, allspice and pipe tobacco.
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Palate: Honey, leather, dried fruits, brown sugar and white pepper.
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Finish: Long and sweet, with bitter orange and spice.
Specifications
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Producer: Usquaebach
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Style: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, cask strength
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Expression / Batch: An Ard Ri, 2016 release, 2,000 bottles
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Age: Malts aged 10 to 21 years
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Proof / ABV: 114.2 proof (57.1% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Married and finished in sherry casks
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Region: Highlands, Scotland
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Size: 750ml, stoneware flagon
How to Enjoy It
Serve it neat in a nosing glass with a few drops of water. It pairs with marzipan, orange cake or aged cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does An Ard Ri mean?
"The high king" in Gaelic.
How old are the whiskies?
More than 20 single malt casks aged between 10 and 21 years.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at cask strength, 57.1% ABV.
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