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Scotch Whisky Review: Ardnahoe Bholsa

Ardnahoe Bholsa is the latest release from Ardnahoe Distillery, following the launch of its inaugural 5 Year Old in 2024. How will the new whisky hold up to review?

OVERALL RATING

8
$75
  • Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.
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Tasting Notes

About:

Ardnahoe Bholsa is the second core range release from Islay’s Ardnahoe Distillery, following the Inaugural release in 2024. Named for Islay’s Bholsa caves situated close to the Ardnahoe Distillery, the release has been predominantly matured in Oloroso sherry casks, and bottled without added colour or chill filtration at 50% ABV.
Appearance:
Dark Bronze
Nose:
Lots of red fruits on the nose, red currants, plums, and a hint of strawberry, alongside red apples, walnuts, and orange zest. Balanced by aromas of leather, and earthy peat smoke.
Palate:
On the palate, sherried fruits including raisins and dates, giving way to plum jam, orange zest, and a little milk chocolate. Underpinned throughout by Islay peat, there’s a little earthy minerality.
Finish:
Long, with peppery oak, chocolate, and bonfire smoke.
Comments:
Ardnahoe Bholsa has a well-balanced flavour profile of peat, sweet, and fruits. With notes of sherried fruits and chocolate, the Oloroso sherry cask maturation is evident, but effectively balanced by waves of earthy peat and smoke – Ardnahoe’s Bholsa is a great example of a ‘peat-sweet’ whisky.

At a guess, I’d say the Bholsa expression is slightly younger than Ardnahoe’s Inaugural Release which was released with a 5 Year Old age statement. For the age there’s plenty of complexity between layers of peat and sweetness, with well-integrated smoke and sherry cask maturation. The 50% ABV suits Ardnahoe Bholsa well for a mouthcoating rich whisky, although sweetness conceals the cask strength – you could enjoy a few drams easily.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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