Macallan Enigma

This Enigma – which means as much as ‘mystery’ – is part of the Quest Collection, exclusive to world travelers. The series consists of the Quest, Lumina, Terra and this Enigma. It matured on European first fill sherry casks. It does not happen often that one gets to taste Macallan that matured on casks that came from once source. In this case: Toneleria Tevasa, a cooperage in Jerez, Spain, specialized in ‘seasoned’ (prepared) casks for the Scottish whisky industry. This is my 40th encounter with this Speysider.

Sturdy nose on yellow and red fruit (think apricots, mango, raspberry) with almond paste, hazelnuts and candied sugar. The wood – first fill, remember? – does put its foot down with wood shavings and spices and a drying element. Think ginger, nutmeg, menthol. A drop of rancio and some roast beef. I have to admit: I like it a lot.

On the palate, I first get dark fruit (dates, raisins, candied apricots) before the oak kicks in. Once that happens, though, it’s big: drying, spicy on cloves, nutmeg, chili pepper and a truckload of cinnamon. Having said that: good balance and a nice mouth feel.

The finish is medium long on more wood, but not disturbingly so.

This one is what they call oak driven. But it works. I like it a lot. The price – around 250 EUR – not so much. But it does come in a nice box (sarcasm, anyone?).

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