Ardnahoe Bholsa Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

If you enjoy peated whiskies that balance savoury smoke with dark fruits, this richly sherried Islay should be for you. Named after a series of caves on the northwest coast of Islay, it's the latest instalment from Hunter Laing's new project that's making waves for Island whisky fans. Oloroso works well to temper some of the slightly 'green' notes found in the cask-strength bourbon-matured expression; Lanolin, dried citrus peel, ashy peat and brine make for an intense yet approachable dram that reverberates coastal character. Bottled at 50% ABV with no chill filtration.

Other reviews... I mean, it’s matured ‘predominantly’ in oloroso, which does feel a tad lord Black Adder, does it not? A ‘bholsa’, in Gaelic, seems to mean a bag, it may stem from the French word ‘bourse’, or perhaps from the Spanish ‘bolsa’, also meaning bag. Who knows, the ways of distillers are impenetrable… Colour: gold. Nose: but of course. Ardnahoe has been remarkably quick to express its Islayness (aye?) and to make sure its whisky oozes (aye again?) the island. Very fresh, with a nod to its neighbour across from the Paps of Jura, offering peated grist, virgin wool and soot. With water: grapefruit and chalk. Mouth (neat): rather perfect, though absolutely crammed with ashes. With water: the oloroso still sits high, though it’s true there’s only some of it, and only ‘predominantly’. From 51% upwards, that’s predominant, isn’t it? This terminology may go down in the annals of malt whisky history, I tell you (right?) Finish: fresh, long, uplifting and, indeed, exuding Islay. Pears, lemons, oysters and tar in the aftertaste. Comments: I think this is very well done, even if one tends to still lean toward the ‘predominantly natural’ versions. 87 points - whiskyfun.com

...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... There’s also a suspicion this will soften with time as more air enters the bottle. - drinkhacker.com

Notes from the producers... Red fruits, walnuts, orange zest and peat smoke on the nose. Raisins, dates and ripe plums on the palate underpinned by Islay peat lead into a long, peppery finish.