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”
The History
Two centuries of excellence
Glencoe, Scottish Highlands
Over 225 Years of Tradition
The choice for grand celebrations
A testament to the whisky’s superior quality and character.
1500's
Uisge Beatha
1791
References by Robert Burns
“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.
19th Century
1800
First Marketing
Spirits merchants Ross & Cameron of Iverness, Scotland, begin marketing their own proprietary vatted malt blends.
1877
The Brand is Born
Ross & Cameron establishes the first trademark for “The Usquaebach.”
20th Century
1926
Satisfying an increasing demand
The Usquaebach trademark is passed along to William Grigor & Sons, an ambitious spirits trading company and principals of the famous Bowmore Distillery.
1969
Coming to america
Twelve Stone Flagons Ltd., an American company owned by Stanley Stankiwicz, purchases the trademark and expands distribution to the United States.
1969
Nixon's Inauguration
Usquaebach Old-Rare is served at U. S. President Richard Nixon’s White House Inaugural Dinner.
1989
Bush's Inauguration
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.
21st Century
2005
Sharing with the world
Cobalt Brands becomes the new, proud owner of Usquaebach and continues to distribute the brand throughout the United States and the world.
2016
Limited Edition Bottling
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.