Kilchoman distillery

Introduction to Kilchoman

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Kilchoman is a relatively young Scottish distillery that has rapidly established itself as a significant player in the Islay whisky scene. Located on the western coast of Islay, this farm distillery combines traditional craftsmanship with a vision of self-sufficiency that sets it apart from its island neighbors.

Established in 2005, Kilchoman was the first new distillery to be built on Islay in 124 years. Its location on Rockside Farm gives it a unique farm-to-bottle approach that few distilleries in Scotland can match.

Why we have a soft spot for Kilchoman

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that create something distinctive in both flavor and identity. Kilchoman stands out by being one of the few Scottish distilleries to practice true vertical integration – growing their own barley, malting on traditional floor maltings, distilling, maturing, and bottling all on site.

Their commitment to quality over quantity and their ability to produce such characterful whisky at a young age demonstrates the brilliance behind their production methods. Each release tells the story of Islay’s terroir in a glass.

The history behind Kilchoman

Origin and development

Kilchoman was founded in 2005 by Anthony Wills, who had the vision to create a farm distillery that would revive the traditions of small-scale production that were once common throughout Scotland. Located on Rockside Farm on the western coast of Islay, the distillery was built with the intention of creating a “farm to bottle” single malt.

Despite being the smallest distillery on Islay, Kilchoman has grown in reputation and reach, gaining acclaim for producing exceptional whisky that captures the essence of Islay while maintaining its own distinctive character.

The people behind the whisky

The distillery is still run by founder Anthony Wills and his family, who maintain hands-on involvement in all aspects of production. This family-owned approach ensures that every decision, from barley variety to cask selection, reflects their unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.

The small team at Kilchoman shares a deep passion for whisky-making, with many members of staff being local Ileachs who bring generations of island whisky knowledge to their work.

The craft and production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Kilchoman starts with barley – approximately 30% of which is grown right on Rockside Farm and malted on their own traditional floor maltings. This homegrown barley is peated to approximately 20-25 ppm, while the remainder is sourced from Port Ellen Maltings.

Distillation takes place on one wash still and one spirit still, both relatively small compared to other Islay distilleries, allowing for greater copper contact and a purer spirit. The stills’ unique shape contributes to Kilchoman’s light, fruity character that balances beautifully with its peaty notes.

Maturation and aging

Kilchoman’s spirit is primarily matured in ex-bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace Distillery and Oloroso sherry butts from Miguel Martin in Spain. The warehouse location, right by the Atlantic Ocean, exposes the casks to Islay’s maritime climate, which many believe accelerates maturation and imparts a distinctive coastal character.

Despite being relatively young (many releases range from 5-12 years), Kilchoman whiskies display a remarkable depth and maturity that belies their age. Their commitment to quality casks and ideal maturation conditions has proven that great whisky doesn’t always need decades in the barrel.

Selected products from Kilchoman

Machir Bay – An introduction to the house style

Machir Bay represents the core expression of Kilchoman and is an excellent entry point to understand the distillery’s character. Named after the beautiful beach near the distillery, this whisky offers notes of vanilla, citrus fruits, and butterscotch, underpinned by a distinct peat smoke and a touch of sea salt.

Bottled at 46% ABV and matured predominantly in ex-bourbon barrels with a small sherry cask influence, Machir Bay delivers a perfect balance of Kilchoman’s fruity spirit character and Islay’s peaty heritage.

Loch Gorm – An experience for connoisseurs

Loch Gorm, named after Islay’s largest freshwater lake, showcases Kilchoman’s spirit exclusively matured in Oloroso sherry butts. This annual limited release offers a more complex expression with rich dried fruits, dark chocolate, and spices intertwining with the signature peat smoke.

Expect an oily texture, vibrant sherry influence, and a long, warming finish – a bottle for those who wish to explore the more complex side of Kilchoman’s portfolio.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Kilchoman offers comprehensive guided tours that take you through every stage of production – from the barley fields to the warehouses. The intimate scale of the distillery allows visitors to get remarkably close to the whisky-making process.

Tastings typically include 3-5 expressions, often featuring distillery exclusives and limited releases not widely available elsewhere. The visitor center also houses a café serving homemade food, making it an excellent destination for a full day’s visit on the island.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kilchoman?

Kilchoman is a farm distillery on Islay, Scotland, that produces single malt whisky with a focus on traditional methods and local ingredients. Their approach combines the concept of terroir with Scottish whisky tradition, creating a distinctive product that truly represents its origin.

Where is Kilchoman located?

The distillery is located on Rockside Farm on the western coast of Islay, near Machir Bay. This remote location by the Atlantic contributes significantly to the character of their whisky, with the maritime climate influencing both barley growth and maturation.

What characterizes Kilchoman whisky?

Kilchoman is known for producing a remarkably balanced peated whisky that combines fresh fruit notes with maritime influences and distinctive peat smoke. Their farm-to-bottle approach, using their own floor-malted barley, and their focus on quality over quantity sets them apart from other Islay distilleries.

Where can I buy whisky from Kilchoman?

You can find selected bottles from Kilchoman at Vault of Spirits. We hand-pick the best expressions – both core releases and limited editions – to ensure you have access to the finest representations of this distinctive Islay distillery.