Usquaebach 15 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch

You can't argue with the authenticity of Usquaebach as a product of Scotland. In addition to labeling it as being distilled, aged, blended and bottled there, its very name says it all.

Usquaebach -- pronounced oos-ke-bah -- is the Scots Gaelic word for whisky, meaning "water of life." The company claims the blend, or something very much like it, has been around for more than two centuries, although the brand name has been registered "only" since 1877. Today its marketing refers to its as "The Grand Whisky of the Highlands."

Usquaebach 15 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch is an excellent representative of the portfolio, one I would suggest sampling straight over a single ice cube. As the melt commences, notes of macerated fruit are released from the deep amber liquid, complementing the spiciness of the blend. Very quickly, on the palate notes of caramel, raisins, apricots and nutmeg increase the experience. The finish is both sweet and spicy. An agreeable adventure from start to finish.

This particular blend is aged in used European sherry casks, bottled at 43% abv (86 proof), and carries a suggested retail price of $75.

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