Cadenhead's Enigma ISY.2.A Islay 15 Year Old (70cl, 54.8%)

This is a 15 year old Islay single malt from Cadenhead's Enigma series, released as edition ISY.2.A. The distillery is not named. Sweet pastry and dessert notes sit against a savoury, smoky and salty side, without the strongly medicinal style of many Islay malts. It was distilled in 2008, matured in bourbon hogsheads and bottled in 2024 at 54.8%. The release numbers 1,494 bottles, without colouring or chill-filtration. The nose gives apple wood, marzipan and vanilla sponge. The palate sets crème brûlée caramel against smoky chipotle spice. The finish brings honey and lemon sweets, chorizo and rock salt.