Blended Scotch Whisky

Usquaebach Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky Review

Usquebach Reserve

Usquaebach (pronounced “oos-ke-bah”) in Gaelic means “the water of life”.  It’s also the name of a brand of blended Scotch whiskies, including the subject of this post – Usquaebach Reserve.  The brand was trademarked in 1877, and is now owned by Cobalt Brands.  According to the brand’s website, this blend contains 50% malt whiskies aged between 16 and 18 years.  The other 50% of the blend is made of up non-age stated grain whiskies, hence the lack of age statement on the label.  Other expressions include a 15-year-old blended malt and “Old Rare” blended whisky.  As of the posting of this article, Usquaebach is available in 23 markets in the US.  Bottled at 43%, Usquaebach Reserve costs about $40 a bottle.

I get light aromas from the nose, including soft vanilla, sweet malt, rubbing alcohol, some straw and toffee.  Medium-bodied, the palate starts with honey malt and sweet toffee.  There’s a little spice and a floral note in the mid-palate.  A hint of smoke and a touch of dried fruit soon develop.  The finish is medium-long with a slightly citrus-sweet note and malt.

Not bad.  Not bad at all.  Usquaebach is a nice combination of sweet, smoke and floral, with a lingering citrus note finishing things up.  The palate isn’t as light as the nose suggests, which is a nice surprise.  There’s some weight in the flavors.  If you haven’t already, Usquaebach Reserve is worth discovering.

7.5/10
(Note: A review sample was provided by Usquaebach)

The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky Review

The Famous Grouse

Scotland’s number one selling Scotch is none other than The Famous Grouse.  It’s a blended Scotch whisky, meaning it’s a blend of malt and grain whiskies.  Among those whiskies are malt whiskies from the famed Macallan and Highland Park distilleries.  The blend is matured in ex-sherry casks for about six months, adding more layers of flavor.

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Dewar’s White Label Scratched Cask Blended Scotch Whisky Review
Photo courtesy Dewar's

Photo courtesy Dewar’s

Dewar’s latest expression is their Scratched Cask blended scotch whisky.  For this one, Dewar’s takes their matured White Label whisky and finishes it in charred and scratched American oak casks for several months.  The barrels are a blend of virgin and ex-bourbon casks.  It’s bottled at 40% abv and retails for about $25, just a couple of dollars more expensive than the standard White Label.

The nose is unmistakeable Dewar’s White Label, with an added richness.  Honey, heather, and vanilla show strong.  Taste-wise, Dewar’s Scratched Cask delivers just what I expected – a slightly sweeter version of their White Label.  Honey, malted grain, and heather. The finishing casks add some vanilla and just a touch of barrel char on the backend.  The official tasting notes call for oak, but it comes across as char to me.  The finish has a touch of spice (probably brought on by the charred casks), and is slightly longer than the White Label.

I like what Dewar’s is doing here.  The charred and scratched cask finish brings an added layer of complexity to what’s otherwise a light, crisp blended whisky.  They’ve also nailed the price on the head – just a $5 premium over the standard White Label.  I’d love to see a stronger version of this, maybe at 43% abv or 48% abv, but that’s just wishful thinking.  If you like Dewar’s White Label, I’m pretty sure you’ll like this one.

7.5/10
(Note: A review sample was provided by Dewar’s)