Ardnahoe Bholsa

 

 

 

50°

Distillery : Ardnahoe - Islay

Predominantly Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon Casks 

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 40 ppm 

 

 

 

And here is the second representative of Ardnahoe's Core Range, launched in March 2025. It is mainly aged in Oloroso Sherry Casks, around 60%, with the remainder consisting of Bourbon Casks. The absence of colouring and chill filtration is encouraging. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The sherry is a bit dry, red plum skin, dates, tanned leather, roasted nuts, a zest of blood orange, raspberry purée. The peat is definitely there, ash and soot, dark chocolate, dried meat spread with caramel. Candied cherries. On the palate, red fruit coulis, shortbread biscuits, Williams pear, light woodiness and subtle spices, raisins, liquorice. It's a little light. Fairly long finish, gently powerful, dried figs, hazelnuts, dirty charcoal, ginger, a few more red fruits. A touch of acidity. 

 

In Short, 

The sherry isn't too strong, nor is the peat. I'd need to taste it again, but I didn't detect any mineral or coastal notes either. This makes for a lovely whisky, with fruity, meaty and slightly acidic notes, without being unpleasant, but for me it lacks that little something that gives Islay its identity. Honestly, it's good, but I was expecting better, especially as the price is still high for a non-age-statement whisky. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Liv Sangster - Lonely Road