Cadenhead Enigma 15yr 700ml

Cadenhead’s Enigma 15-Year-Old – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Age

Matured for 15 years, offering developed character and depth from extended time in oak.

Distillery

Bottled by Wm Cadenhead, Scotland’s oldest independent bottler. The exact distillery is undisclosed, adding an element of intrigue under the “Enigma” label.

Region

Islay, Scotland — known for its bold, smoky, maritime malts. This release embodies the island’s coastal intensity while offering an elegant take on peat.

Cask Type

Matured exclusively in refill bourbon hogsheads, allowing the spirit’s coastal and smoky core to shine through with minimal interference from oak.

ABV / Proof

Bottled at 54.8% ABV (cask strength) — natural color, non-chill filtered, delivering full flavor and mouthfeel.

Description

Cadenhead’s Enigma 15-Year-Old is a mysterious yet deeply expressive Islay single malt. Unnamed but unmistakably coastal in style, it marries mature smoke with refined sweetness and briny character. The refill cask maturation highlights the distillate’s natural complexity—preserving nuance, minerality, and spice.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Pale gold with a silken sheen and slow-moving legs—indicative of its natural strength and refined aging.

Aroma

Sea mist and charred driftwood open the nose, joined by lemon zest, hay, white pepper, and faint vanilla. Smoky but balanced by coastal freshness and light malt.

Palate

Bright and briny: salted caramel and peat smoke roll into toasted almond, grilled citrus, and cracked black pepper. The texture is waxy and oily, with a peppered sweetness that lingers.

Finish

Medium to long: smoldering ash, barley sugar, light toffee, and maritime salinity trail into soft charcoal and a trace of eucalyptus.

Accolades & Appeal

• A prized release among independent bottling enthusiasts

• Appreciated for its raw, unbranded Islay profile at cask strength

• Ideal for drinkers seeking pure, elemental coastal malt without commercial packaging

Summary

Cadenhead’s Enigma 15-Year-Old is a refined, mysterious Islay single malt aged in bourbon hogsheads and bottled at 54.8% cask strength. Its smoky backbone, coastal freshness, and restrained oak influence make it a compelling, no-frills dram that speaks through its flavor—not its label. An excellent choice for purists, peat fans, and independent whisky seekers.