Macallan Enigma

The fourth bottling in The Macallan's Quest Collection, Enigma, is quite a sophisticated dram. I must admit I wasn't impressed by the other three expressions in this travel retail series (Quest, Lumina, and Terra); however, I truly believe this is the finest of the entire lineup. Matured exclusively in European sherry-seasoned casks and bottled at 44.9% ABV, it displays a lovely reddish-chestnut color. The nose is absolutely perfect, with delightful aromas of dates and dried fruits, chocolate-covered raisins, cherry syrup, hazelnut, and wafers. Ginger and spices are present, with a very wine-like character. It's very refined; after three minutes, a distinct herbal note, like sawdust and even some citrus like lemon, begins to dominate the other scents. A second taste revealed almonds. On the palate, it's very smooth and easy to drink, though a bit straightforward. Notes of sawdust, vanilla, and red fruits are apparent. You could savor it for a long time. Mild cinnamon and ginger spices emerge after holding it on the palate for about ten seconds. The aftertaste is slightly bitter, with a woody character of oak and sawdust, plus ginger. It has a medium length and isn't overly complex. Overall, I find this a very enjoyable whisky, but it falls short of being a fantastic dram. The reason is its spectacular, out-of-this-world aroma, which isn't matched by the palate and aftertaste, which are quite ordinary. It's very smooth but simple, possessing an interesting bitterness that might not appeal to everyone. The whisky's packaging features a depiction of a cut tree, reflecting its very woody nature. The sherry influence is primarily noticeable on the nose. My rating of 89 out of 100 highlights how unbalanced it is, given its perfect score for the nose, which wasn't replicated in the other criteria.

Nose: Intense, well-balanced aroma with sherry and caramel notes, featuring juicy dried fruits like raisins and prunes, along with vanilla, a subtle hint of dark apple juice, and dried apricots. Taste: Initially a bit thin and drying, with a light peppery spice. It has sweetness from dark stone fruits and dark raisins, plus a faint bitterness reminiscent of stray grape vine stems on raisins. Finish: A lingering sweetness from dark dried stone fruits, but not excessively or cloyingly so. The bitterness gently subsides, leaving a very long-lasting impression. A slightly metallic sweetness from dried fruit appears and disappears. Score: 89/100 Overall Impression: I'm almost reluctant to say it, but this is remarkably well-balanced from beginning to end. Macallan clearly understands sherry cask maturation in Scotch, and this expression demonstrates that expertise. The sherry influence is pleasant, not overly sweet, combined with what I perceive as a toasted cask, offering nice fruity caramelized sugar notes throughout without being too sugary. It's very easy to enjoy with a slight tingle on the tongue. It doesn't taste young, nor does it taste extremely aged, suggesting a beautiful blend of different ages. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Perhaps Would I buy a bottle? - Likely not at its current price point.

Aroma: wonderful and full sherry, with seasoned wood notes. Red fruit undertones. A delight; it's been a while since I had Macallan, and I missed this fragrance. Taste: sherry and fine wood, spicy and velvety. Finish: sweet and perfect, not too overpowering but reasonably long. Unmistakably Macallan. An alcohol content a few degrees higher than Macallan's typical 40 makes it perfect. A great whisky. Rating 5.00 Nose: wonderful and full sherry, seasoned wood on the side. Red fruit in the background. A splendor, it had been a while since I drank Macallan, I missed this perfume. Palate: sherry and precious wood, spicy and velvety. Finish: sweet and perfect, not too powerful but relatively long. Unmistakably Macallan. A few degrees higher than Macallan's usual 40 makes it perfect. Great whisky. Score 5.00

More overpriced age-statement-free whisky being introduced to gradually get consumers accustomed to skipping age statements. It appears that whisky companies are focusing more on marketing these days to manipulate people with high prices, unknown recipes, fear of missing out, and fancy packaging. Personally, I will not purchase any age-statement-free whisky above $130, but if someone offers me a sample, I'll try it. Cheers to age statements!

I sampled this on a luxury cruise during a tasting event in April 2019. To date, it's the finest scotch I've ever experienced! The subtle almond and floral notes, along with hints of ginger and pear, were not immediately apparent to me until another enthusiast noted them. While Mcallan does not disclose the age of this bottling, the sommelier confirmed it was at least 18 years old.

Rich and complex, offering the premium Macallan experience. I sampled this at DFS Singapore, but for the price, there are many other options available. I ended up choosing the limited Highland Park 15 Cask Series for considerably less, hoping it will turn out well.