4.8/5 with 11,000+ reviews
Flavoursome Drams: Peaty
Throughout the next month, we will be bringing you our recommended drams for every flavour, so you know exactly which releases are for you! Whether you're looking for a smoky number, a sweet sipper, a floral expression, or even something to pair with your Spring time treats, we've got you covered.
This week, we're focusing on Peaty drams! Peat flavours are created by compounds released in peat fires used to dry malted barley in the distillation process. The Length of time the barley is exposed to the peat fire determines how peaty a whisky is. From Ardberg, Lagavulin, Laphroaig to the peatiest of all, Octomore, we have a large variety of peaty whisky to keep you satisfied.
First up in our list of Peaty whiskeys, our Whisky Shop Bath team have recommended the Ardnahoe Bholsa.
Ardnahoe Bholsa is an exceptional whisky is predominantly matured in Oloroso sherry casks and is bottled with no artificial colouring or chill-filtration, ensuring a pure and authentic experience. With an ABV of 50% this whisky delivers a full-bodied, memorable flavour profile.
On the nose, it offers a rich blend of smoky peat, raisins, and the sweet influence of Oloroso sherry, complemented by vibrant notes of orange zest and walnuts. The palate is indulgent, with luscious ripe plums and dates, balanced by the distinctive warmth of Islay peat. The finish is long and peppery, leaving a lingering sherried character.
A bit about Ardnahoe
Founded by the team behind the Glasgow-based independent bottlers, Hunter Laing & Co, Ardnahoe is the ninth functioning distillery on the island of Islay. Stewart Laing and his sons Andrew and Scott formed the company in 2013 and within three years, they were scouting out the perfect location for their very own distillery on the fabled whisky isle.
Taking its name from the location, Ardnahoe is Scottish Gaelic for 'Height of the Hollow', which perfectly describes the beautiful setting in which the distillery lies. Water is drawn from this deep loch for the whisky making process, which is exceptionally soft - having been filtered through peat and rock for thousands of years. Their barley is dried over peat smoke for around 20 hours, creating the foundation of the peaty Islay flavour, before being slowly distilled in two lantern-shaped copper pot stills made by Speyside Copperworks. A proportion of the Ardnahoe spirit is matured at the distillery on Islay, absorbing the maritime atmosphere and adding an extra element of "terroir".
More from Ardnahoe
Our Whisky Shop Bath
The Whisky Shop Bath is perfectly located in this picturesque historic city, facing the stunning Bath Abbey. With its shop windows aglow in the darker months, and sparkling with colourful displays when the sun is out, this welcoming whisky haven is the perfect place to stop in and grab someone special, or yourself, a whisky-shaped gift.
The friendly experts in the Bath team consist of Tom, Vicky, Jack, Alfie, Steven, and Nick. Tom and Vicky have been heading up the team since the store opened around 10 years ago, building up a wealth of local knowledge as well as whisky knowledge, hosting countless tasting events and leading the local community of W Clubbers.
How to find them:
9-10 High Street
Bath, BA1 5AQ
+44 (0)1225 423535
Team Tip: Our Bath store is just around the corner from the Roman Baths so make sure to go and see them while you're in the area!
