Kilchoman Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Kilchoman single malt Scotch whisky is one of Islay’s newest yet most celebrated distilleries, established in 2005 as the island’s first new distillery in over 124 years. Located on the island’s western coast at Rockside Farm, Kilchoman is a true farm distillery, producing whisky from barley grown on its own land — a rarity in modern Scotch production. This commitment to grain-to-glass authenticity, combined with traditional methods, has earned Kilchoman a strong reputation in a remarkably short time.

Founder Anthony Wills set out to create a distillery that reflected Islay’s heritage while embracing innovation in cask management and production. Kilchoman remains one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to operate a traditional floor maltings on-site, where locally grown barley is hand-turned during germination and dried over peat fires. About 25% of the distillery’s production comes from its own farm-grown barley, malted in-house, while the remainder uses malt from Port Ellen Maltings, typically peated to around 50 ppm for a bold Islay style.

Kilchoman’s coastal location plays a key role in shaping the whisky’s profile. Warehouses are buffeted by the salty Atlantic air, infusing the maturing spirit with maritime character. Maturation often takes place in a mix of first-fill bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace and oloroso sherry butts from Spain, though Kilchoman also experiments with port, madeira, and sauternes casks to add layers of complexity.

The core range showcases both youth and maturity:
• Machir Bay - a vatting of bourbon and sherry casks, offering a balance of smoke, citrus, and maritime sweetness.
• Sanaig - matured in a higher proportion of sherry casks, with richer dried fruit and chocolate alongside the peat.
• 100% Islay - made entirely from barley grown, malted, distilled, matured, and bottled on-site, with a lighter, more floral peat character.
• Loch Gorm - fully matured in oloroso sherry casks for intense richness.

Kilchoman also releases annual limited editions and single cask bottlings, often exploring different cask types or higher peat levels. These have become highly sought-after by collectors and fans, with many selling out quickly on release.

Despite its relatively young age, Kilchoman’s spirit has been widely praised for its maturity, balance, and expressiveness. This is due in part to the clean, fruity distillate produced by its copper pot stills, combined with careful cask selection. The result is a style that retains Islay’s hallmark smoky power but is lifted by fresh citrus, orchard fruit, and sweet malt.

Flavour-wise, Kilchoman often opens with aromas of peat smoke, lemon zest, vanilla, and sea breeze. The palate delivers sweet malt, toffee, orchard fruit, and waves of coastal brine, all wrapped in a dry, lingering smoke. Depending on the cask type, notes of dark chocolate, red berries, or tropical fruit may emerge.

Our Kilchoman Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection includes the full range of core expressions, seasonal releases, and rare single casks. Whether you’re new to Islay malts or a seasoned peat enthusiast, Kilchoman offers an authentic, handcrafted whisky experience, a modern Islay classic built on traditional foundations.