Ardnahoe : Bholsa

Tasting characteristics and advice for Ardnahoe Bholsa

Tasting

Appearance
Deep mahogany hue, a testament to the quality of the casks used for maturation. With no artificial coloring or chill filtration, this single malt reveals its natural color.

Nose
Red fruits and nuts intertwine with orange zest and perfectly integrated peaty smoke. Notes of raisins and black plums round out this aromatic bouquet, lifted by a hint of licorice.

Palate
A full, fleshy texture in which sherry sweetness expresses itself to the fullest. Dates, raisins, and ripe plums are carried by Islay’s signature peat. The result is a powerful, fruity profile that is wonderfully balanced.

Pairings and tasting occasions

This single malt is best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and its power at 50% ABV.

Mixology

Given its exceptional character and aromatic complexity, we recommend enjoying Bholsa without embellishment to appreciate all its nuances.

A peated Islay single malt matured in sherry casks

Ardnahoe: a successful blend of artisanal tradition and environmental sustainability.

Founded in 2018 by Hunter Laing & Company and inaugurated in 2019, Ardnahoe is Islay’s ninth malt distillery, located on the northeast coast between Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila. Owned by the Laing family—Stewart and his sons Andrew and Scott—it brings to life Stewart’s long-held dream, a former Bruichladdich employee. Under the technical supervision of Jim McEwan, an Islay veteran, Ardnahoe stands out for its fully manual operation, its stills fitted with Scotland’s longest swan necks (7.5 meters), and its wooden washbacks.

Ardnahoe Bholsa: a 5 years old Islay single malt

Bholsa takes its name from the legendary Bholsa caves located near the distillery. Aged for more than 5 years, this single malt benefits from maturation primarily in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, giving it its distinctive mahogany color and aromatic richness.

The barley is peated to 40 ppm and milled in a century-old Vickers Boby mill, the distillery’s only piece of historic equipment. The water comes from Loch Ardnahoe, exceptionally soft and naturally filtered through peat and rock. Fermentation is deliberately extended to 70 to 75 hours, allowing the yeasts to develop fuller flavors. The two copper stills run slowly, encouraging prolonged contact with copper.

Bottled at 50% ABV after a slow reduction, Bholsa is presented without added coloring or chill filtration, preserving the full range of aromas and the natural texture of this Scotch whisky.