The word “uisge beatha”, meaning “water of life”, is popular Gaelic vernacular which refers to distilled spirits. Pronounced “oos-ke-bah”, it is where we get our English word, “whisky”
Over 225 Years of Tradition
The choice for grand celebrations
A testament to the whisky’s superior quality and character.


“Usquaebach” is immortalized by the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, in his poem Tom O’Shanter: “Wi Usquaebach we’ll face the de’il” – or, “With Usquaebach we’ll face the devil.” The word is commonly used to refer to Scotch whisky throughout the UK.

Spirits merchants Ross & Cameron of Iverness, Scotland, begin marketing their own proprietary vatted malt blends.

Ross & Cameron establishes the first trademark for “The Usquaebach.”

The Usquaebach trademark is passed along to William Grigor & Sons, an ambitious spirits trading company and principals of the famous Bowmore Distillery.

Twelve Stone Flagons Ltd., an American company owned by Stanley Stankiwicz, purchases the trademark and expands distribution to the United States.

Usquaebach Old-Rare is served at U. S. President Richard Nixon’s White House Inaugural Dinner.

Usquaebach Old-Rare is selected again to be poured at President George H.W. Bush’s White House Inaugural Dinner – a testament to the whisky’s superior quality and character.

Cobalt Brands becomes the new, proud owner of Usquaebach and continues to distribute the brand throughout the United States and the world.

An Ard Ri , Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch is released as a limited-edition bottling. This collaboration between Cobalt Brands, Stewart Laing and Tom Aitken is the first in many years.