Ardnahoe Bholsa
Price History
Overview
Ardnahoe Bholsa represents the second release from Islay's Ardnahoe distillery to hit the US market, a non-chill filtered single malt matured in Oloroso sherry casks that delivers a bold statement of peaty Islay character with emerging sherry depth.
Specs at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Style | Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| ABV | 50% |
| Mashbill | Peated malted barley |
| Release Info | Second Ardnahoe release to US market, named in tribute to Islay's coastal caves |
| Age | No age statement |
Good to know
Distilled at the relatively new Ardnahoe distillery on Islay's northwest coast, Bholsa honors the dramatic sea caves of the region. Expert reviews note its unadorned profile, free of cosmetic enhancements, with potential to evolve further through bottle breathing.
Tasting notes
- Nose: Prominent Islay peat and campfire smoke lead, backed by char, lemon zest, and citrus; water unlocks sherry influence.
- Palate: Raisins and dates provide unexpected sweetness against smoke, char, and citrus brightness; water adds tar and dark chocolate layers.
- Finish: Smoky and saline with lemon peel and sea air lingering moderately.
Notable details
- Production: Oloroso sherry cask matured, non-chill filtered, bottled at 100 proof.
- Lineage: From Ardnahoe distillery, emphasizing raw Islay peat expression.
- Comparison: Feels slightly younger and bolder than the Inaugural Release.
- Availability: Recently arrived stateside following transatlantic shipment.
"Ardnahoe Bholsa boldly showcases Islay peat and sherry influences in a non-chill filtered format, earning a solid B+ with potential to soften further." – Drinkhacker
A forthright peated Islay malt for those seeking unfiltered complexity without restraint.
Sources
[1] Drinkhacker – "Review: Ardnahoe Bholsa"
[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Scotch Whisky Review: Ardnahoe Bholsa"