Carefully crafted by longstanding Usquaebach blenders, Hunter Laing and Co., the An Ard Ri is made with casks from Master Blender Stewart H. Laing’s personal collection. Mr. Laing selected from a range of Highlands whiskies, including Inchgower, Benrinnes, Craigellachie, Glengoyne, Dailuaine, Blair Athol, and Auchroisk. At 57.1% ABV, the finished product is a powerfully complex and structured, yet harmoniously smooth cask strength blend that faithfully maintains Usquaebach’s position as “King of the Blended Whiskies.” On the nose, the An Ard Ri exhibits marzipan, brioche, and burnt orange peel, followed by notes of honey, leather, dried fruits, and brown sugar on the palate.
“When we first began to conceptualize the An Ard Ri with Cobalt Brands nearly two years ago, we set out to create a Scotch whisky that could come to define the increasingly popular blended malt category,” said Stewart Laing, Master Blender. “We’re incredibly proud of the result, and believe it to embody the pinnacle of whisky excellence.”
The 2,000 bottle limited release is packaged in a striking gold and blue variation of Usquaebach’s signature flagon bottle, keeping with the product’s theme of bringing ancient tradition to a modern audience.
“The Usquaebach An Ard Ri is a statement piece that satisfies the palates of modern blended Scotch drinkers, who demand smoothness at a higher proof, and above all else, authenticity,” said Sean Perry, Owner of Cobalt Brands. “With this pure example of highlands malt whisky, we’ve managed to stay true to our Scottish roots while bringing to market a cask strength whisky that can be enjoyed on its own, without the addition of water.”
The Usquaebach An Ard Ri Cask Strength is available at a suggested retail price of $200.00 in all major U.S. markets. The Usquaebach An Ard Ri Cask Strength joins an Usquaebach portfolio that also includes the ‘Old-Rare’ Superior Blended Scotch Whisky, the 15 Year Old ‘Pure’ Malt Scotch Whisky, and the ‘Reserve’ Premium Blended Scotch Whisky.
About Usquaebach Whisky Usquaebach Scotch Whisky, a historic spirit from the Scottish Highlands, has been blended for over three generations by the Laing family. Usquaebach Scotch Whisky is owned and distributed worldwide by Cobalt Brands, and is available in over 30 markets nationwide. Creating blends with focus primarily on purity, elegance and refinement, Usquaebach’s Master Blender carefully selects only the finest malts and grains from Scotland’s most reputable distillers. Translated from Gaelic as “the water of life,” Usquaebach is as much an everyday whisky as it is a toast to days gone by, revitalizing the blended Scotch category for the modern drinker by faithfully restoring Scotch production to its roots.
About Cobalt Brands LLC Cobalt Brands is a family owned, New Jersey based importer, located minutes outside of Manhattan. Cobalt is dedicated to introducing, promoting and marketing superior quality craft spirits to alcoholic beverage enthusiasts and knowledgeable consumers throughout the country. In addition to the flagship Usquaebach brand, Cobalt is also the exclusive U.S. importer for Malecon Rum, a traditional, handcrafted Cuban spirit.
