Description

Cadenhead’s Enigma Aged 21 Years Tennessee Bourbon Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 41.5%           Age: 21 Years Old            Country: Scotland

The Whisky

Cross the Atlantic with the Cadenhead’s Enigma Tennessee Bourbon 21 Year Old, a historic milestone as the first American whiskey to join the Enigma Series. Distilled in 2003 at an undisclosed distillery in Tennessee and bottled in May 2025, this 700ml expression has spent over two decades maturing in American oak barrels. In a category where high aged spirits often lean toward aggressive wood tannins, this bourbon is bottled at a gentle 41.5% ABV, emphasising finesse, aroma, and the elegance of long term aging.

The undisclosed source is likely the legendary George Dickel distillery, known for a high altitude warehouse aging process that often results in “under-proof” barrels at advanced ages. This naturally lower strength is a prize for enthusiasts, as it concentrates the sweet, dessert like esters without the burn of high alcohol. As part of the Enigma range, this is a “pure” bourbon—non-chill filtered and natural in colour—representing a rare bridge between Scottish independent bottling expertise and American heritage.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Deeply aromatic and comforting. You are greeted by the scent of beeswax and cinnamon butter, layered with the richness of caramelised sugar. As it opens, a bright and zesty note of key lime pie emerges, balanced by a subtle, herbal touch of dried sage.

Palate: The mouthfeel is silky and remarkably smooth. It delivers a sophisticated confectionery profile of creamy nougat and pumpernickel bread. Mid-palate, the “Tennessee” character shines through with subtle citrus zest, vanilla bean, and a refined interplay of mellow, well seasoned oak.

Finish: Long, refreshing, and herbal. The finish carries distinct Mint Julep vibes, featuring fresh mint and sage, finally tapering off with a zesty hint of pink grapefruit and a lingering, sweet oak warmth.

The Distillery

While the specific distillery in Tennessee is not named, the spirit reflects the region’s famous “Lincoln County Process,” where the new-make spirit is filtered through maple charcoal before entering the barrel. This extra step removes harsh impurities and imparts a signature smoothness and “sooty” sweetness. A unique factual detail: At 21 years of age, this is one of the oldest Tennessee Bourbons ever released by an independent bottler. Most American whiskey is pulled from the wood by year 12 or 15 due to the intense climate; this 21-year-old survivor offers a rare, “continental” style of maturation that favours complexity over raw power.

Overall Review

The Cadenhead’s Enigma Tennessee 21 Year Old is globally reviewed as a “masterclass in mature American whiskey,” praised for its unique herbal finish and citrusy lift. Critics have lauded its approachable 41.5% ABV, noting that it allows the delicate key lime and sage notes to flourish, making it a mandatory acquisition for collectors of high age bourbon and Enigma series completists.