Unravelling the Enigma whiskies by Cadenhead
Enigma is a fairly new label introduced by Cadenhead’s a few years ago and since the first one in 2023 we have seen a steady stream of bottles. One of the very first blogs we did on LPA’s predecessor Whisky Odyssey was actually an Enigma Islay (presumed to be Lagavulin). So, the idea of the Enigma line is to give the mongrels of the whisky industry a fitting place. They might not fit in the pigeon holes that Cadenhead’s has, like the Original or Authentic Collection or even the Chaiman’s Stock. But that does not mean they are not worth bottling. Rightly so, Cadenhead! We copied the definition of the Enigma from their website: “The whiskies we bottle in our Cadenhead’s Enigma series are just that – unusual, hard to quantify, perhaps even slightly contradictory. They can be single casks, a vatting of multiple casks, blends, blended malts or whatever else we can find that doesn’t fit into our existing bottling lineup but meets our only essential criteria – that they’re good.” Say no more, and let us taste two samples that ended up on my desk recently!
Enigma Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 10 years old, bottled at 44,3 % abv by Cadenhead’s
First things first: Bottled in February 2025, this Irish Whiskey matured in bourbon casks and resulted in 726 bottles. As I understand, this cask was moved from Ireland to Scotland, and because of that the years maturing in Scotland do not count in the final tally on the bottle. According to my information, this whiskey has been 18 years in wood.
Upon Sipping: Ah yes, delightfully fruity whiskey with a hint of limestone. Now, did this Enigma pick up the limestone from the Springbank vapours hanging in Campbeltown, or is it part of the signature of this whiskey? In any case, all the pleasures one wants to find in an Irish product. It might be a bit closed up, but we have water and patience. The taste is surprisingly plain and bitter, and we really need to get to the finish for some continued fruitiness that was promised on the nose. The abv is low, but let’s see what water does. More stone fruit, light hints of lychee, ice cold Pinot Grigio, and it remains like that. The mouthfeel is more oily but with a dry hint. The finish is still the best asset of this expression.
Word to the Wise: A fine expression but it struggles a bit to truly fly. Still, it has a lot going for it with enough aspects that also warrant inclusion in the Enigma releases. It is mysterious stuff indeed!
Score: 84 points
Enigma Islay Single Malt Whisky, 15 years old, bottled at 54,8 % abv by Cadenhead’s
First things first: Bottled in Augustus 2024 from the 2008 vintage. This is a batch bottling producing 1494 bottles all matured on bourbon casks. Probably bottled under the Enigma label because this is a parcel of Lagavulin, and one cannot mention that on independent labels.
Upon Sipping: We certainly do not mind middle-aged Lagavulin! Certainly when it has a very light colour, suggesting refill wood. A very maritime nose. Like opening a jar of Omega-3 supplements. Very distinctive and beautifully oily in the glass. Taking a sip, I indeed get a shock of cod liver oil! My oh my, that is impressive. A mountain of lemon zest, and I wonder if somebody already added salt to this. Is it not as fresh as beautifully unbothered Islay malt can be, especially if this is indeed from the Lagavulin Distillery. The oiliness hints more towards Caol Ila actually, but these spirits are closely related anyway. The big body keeps me in the Lagavulin mindset. This is big, massive whisky, but it needs a strong palate to enjoy it. After some breathing, more vanilla enters the arena, which also highlights the peat a lot more. I added some water, but that does nothing to improve.
Word to the Wise: A very powerful Islay expression in the glass here. It is sheer fierceness but it lacks perhaps a few more layers to make it really complex. Anyway, fantastic straightforward peated delight.
Score: 86 points.