Kilchoman

Kilchoman is a Scotch whisky distillery located on the Isle of Islay, renowned for producing intensely peated single malt in the classic Islay tradition. Founded in 2005 by Anthony Wills, it was the first new distillery built on Islay in more than 120 years and remains one of the few farm distilleries in Scotland.

Situated at Rockside Farm on the western side of the island, Kilchoman is celebrated for its 'farm-to-bottle' approach, carrying out every stage of production—from growing barley to malting, distilling, maturing, and bottling—on a single site. This makes it one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to do so.

Kilchoman is a Scotch whisky distillery located on the Isle of Islay, renowned for producing intensely peated single malt in the classic Islay tradition.

Read more about Kilchoman

Kilchoman is a Scotch whisky distillery located on the Isle of Islay, renowned for producing intensely peated single malt in the classic Islay tradition. Founded in 2005 by Anthony Wills, it was the first new distillery built on Islay in more than 120 years and remains one of the few farm distilleries in Scotland.

Situated at Rockside Farm on the western side of the island, Kilchoman is celebrated for its 'farm-to-bottle' approach, carrying out every stage of production—from growing barley to malting, distilling, maturing, and bottling—on a single site. This makes it one of only a handful of distilleries in Scotland to do so.

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History and Farm Distillery Heritage

Kilchoman was established by Anthony Wills, opening its doors in 2005 and releasing its first single malt in 2009. As the first distillery constructed on Islay since 1881, it marked a significant moment for the island's whisky-making history and quickly built a reputation for craftsmanship and authenticity.

The distillery operates on Rockside Farm, where a portion of the barley used is grown on site. This local grain is malted at Kilchoman's own floor maltings, one of the few working traditional maltings still in operation. The remainder of the barley is sourced malted from Port Ellen, allowing the distillery to produce a range of expressions with differing character.

House Style and Production

Kilchoman is known for its heavily peated single malt Scotch, showcasing the smoky, maritime character that defines Islay whisky. Expect notes of peat smoke, brine, citrus, vanilla, and coastal minerality, often with a fresh, vibrant quality thanks to relatively young age statements paired with quality cask maturation.

Maturation typically takes place in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. The distillery's small-batch, hands-on production emphasizes traditional techniques, and its output remains limited compared to Islay's larger, longer-established distilleries.

The Range and What to Expect

Kilchoman's flagship expression is Machir Bay, a core release combining whisky matured in bourbon and sherry casks, offering a balanced introduction to the distillery's smoky, coastal style. Sanaig, matured with a greater proportion of sherry casks, delivers richer, fruitier notes alongside the signature peat.

The distillery is especially noted for its 100% Islay releases, made entirely from barley grown, malted, distilled, matured, and bottled on Islay—a rarity in the industry. Kilchoman also produces a variety of single cask and limited-edition bottlings, making it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts seeking distinctive Islay whisky.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kilchoman a peated whisky?
Yes. Kilchoman produces heavily peated single malt Scotch in the classic Islay style, with pronounced smoky, coastal, and briny characteristics. Its releases showcase peat smoke balanced by fruit, vanilla, and citrus notes depending on the cask maturation.
What makes Kilchoman different from other Islay distilleries?
Kilchoman is a farm distillery that carries out every stage of whisky production on a single site at Rockside Farm—from growing and malting barley to distilling, maturing, and bottling. It was also the first new distillery built on Islay in over 120 years when it opened in 2005.
Which Kilchoman expression should a beginner try first?
Machir Bay, the distillery's core release, is an excellent starting point. It combines bourbon and sherry cask maturation for a balanced, approachable introduction to Kilchoman's smoky, maritime style. Sanaig is another good choice for those who prefer richer, sherried notes.
How should Kilchoman whisky be served?
Kilchoman is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water, which can help open up its peat and coastal aromas. It is served at room temperature in a whisky glass; adding water is a matter of personal preference and can soften the smoky intensity.