WM Cadenhead Enigma 2009 14 Year Peated Highland Scotch Whisky

The WM Cadenhead Enigma 2009 14 Year Peated Highland Scotch Whisky offers a captivating and deeply flavorful profile that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Highland peat. Here are the detailed tasting notes: Nose: The aroma is intensely peaty with a distinctive smoky character, enriched by undertones of heather and damp earth. Additional layers reveal subtle hints of sea salt and iodine, intertwining with a light touch of citrus zest and green apple for complexity. Palate: On the palate, this whisky is boldly peaty and smoky at the outset, followed by rich flavors of dark chocolate and espresso. The smokiness is complemented by notes of black pepper and clove, adding a spicy edge. Underneath these robust flavors, there are undertones of dried fruits like raisins and figs, providing a sweet contrast to the dominant peaty notes. Finish: The finish is long and persistent, with the peat smoke lingering and gradually fading into a pleasant herbal aftertaste, including hints of thyme and rosemary. A slight residual sweetness of burnt caramel and a touch of oak provide a rounded, satisfying conclusion. This whisky is an excellent representation of peated Highland Scotch, offering a rich tapestry of flavors that are both intense and harmoniously balanced, making it a memorable experience for peat lovers and whisky aficionados alike.

WM Cadenhead is not a distillery but one of Scotland's oldest independent bottlers, established in 1842. As an independent bottler, Cadenhead selects and purchases casks from various distilleries across Scotland, including those in the Highland region, and then bottles the whisky under its own label. This allows them to offer a unique and diverse selection of single malt Scotch whiskies, often featuring rare and limited editions that highlight the distinct characteristics of the regions from which they are sourced.

For the Enigma 2009 14 Year Peated Highland Scotch Whisky, the specific distillery in the Highlands from which the whisky was sourced is not typically disclosed. This is a common practice for many independent bottlers who often choose to emphasize the quality and unique profile of the whisky itself rather than the origin. The anonymity of the distillery can sometimes add an element of "enigma" and exclusivity, focusing on the bottler's skill in selecting and presenting a remarkable whisky.

Independent bottlers like Cadenhead are known for their expertise in identifying exceptional casks that represent the best of Scottish whisky. By not being tied to a single distillery, they can offer connoisseurs a variety of styles and flavors, making each bottle a unique expression of the art of whisky production.

Size: 700 mL

Proof: 53.9%
*Please note that the ABV may vary