Review: Ardnahoe Bholsa

While Bholsa is named in tribute to the caves on the northwest coast of Islay, it is also the second Ardnahoe release to make the transatlantic journey stateside, arriving non–chill filtered, Oloroso-matured, and free of cosmetic enhancements.

Ardnahoe Bholsa Review

Much like when one knows they are in the presence of an Ivy League business school graduate or fan of Kid Rock, this has zero qualms declaring its bona fides right from the onset: Islay peat arrives loud and fast, joined by char and a bright flick of lemon zest. Give it a moment, and hints of campfire smoke and just enough citrus stretch out and amplify. A few drops of water deliver more of the sherry influence, so add gradually to preference.

The palate leans sweeter than expected at first, with raisins and dates running point before smoke, char, and citrus reassert control. The drops of water introduce unexpected notes of tar and dark chocolate. The finish runs long, smoky, and saline, tapering off on lemon and sea air. Although there’s no way to be certain on the age statement, this feels slightly younger than the Inaugural Release covered by Drew back in 2024. There’s also a suspicion this will soften with time as more air enters the bottle.

100 proof.

B+ / $70 (700ml)

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