Over 225 Years of Tradition

The choice for grand celebrations

A testament to the whisky’s superior quality and character.

1500's


Uisge Beatha


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”

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.

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