Kilchoman Machir Bay, 46%

Introduction

Kilchoman Machir Bay represents the signature expression from Islay’s farm distillery, named after the beautiful beach near the distillery on Islay’s rugged west coast. As Islay’s first new distillery in over 124 years when it opened in 2005, Kilchoman has quickly established itself as a distinctive voice in the world of peated single malts.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish barley, with approximately 20% grown and floor-malted on the distillery farm, peated to approximately 20-25ppm
• Distillation process: Small-batch distillation in copper pot stills with a relatively short fermentation that contributes to Kilchoman’s distinctive fruity character
• Maturation: Primarily aged in ex-bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace (90%) with a smaller component of Oloroso sherry casks (10%), married together for optimal balance
• Special techniques: Non-chill filtered and bottled at natural color to preserve authentic character and mouthfeel

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Fresh Atlantic sea breeze, lemon zest, and vanilla custard intertwined with gentle peat smoke, iodine, and subtle medicinal notes
• Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with layers of sweet citrus, butterscotch, and tropical fruits balanced by maritime saltiness, building peat smoke, and toasted barley
• Finish: Medium to long finish with lingering smoke, warming spices, and a distinctive coastal freshness that encapsulates Islay’s wild western shore

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of spring water to release additional aromatic complexity
• Food pairings: Smoked seafood, especially oysters or salmon; aged cheeses; dark chocolate with sea salt

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 46% ABV
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Islay
• Certifications/Awards: Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, 95 points from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, Gold at the World Whiskies Awards

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Kilchoman Machir Bay offers a rare glimpse into Islay’s traditional farm distilling heritage, revived for the modern whisky enthusiast. This expression represents one of the few “barley-to-bottle” single malts in Scotland, with Kilchoman controlling every aspect of production.

With limited production capacity compared to Islay’s larger distilleries, each batch of Machir Bay represents a carefully crafted release that maintains the highest quality standards.

Endorsed by master distillers and whisky critics alike, Machir Bay continues to demonstrate why Kilchoman has become a respected name in the whisky world despite its relatively young age.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky enthusiasts and collectors worldwide have embraced Kilchoman Machir Bay as an essential addition to any comprehensive Islay whisky collection.

Once whisky lovers experience the distinctive Kilchoman character, they often find themselves seeking out the distillery’s other limited and special releases to compare with this benchmark expression.

The consistent acclaim from whisky competitions and critics acknowledges what Kilchoman fans already know—that this farm distillery creates exceptional, authentic Islay whisky that stands proudly alongside historic neighbors.

From Islay’s Farm Distillery to You

Each bottle of Machir Bay represents the dedication of Kilchoman’s small team of distillers who have shared their passion for traditional whisky-making with the world.

The approachable yet complex character makes Machir Bay equally appealing to both newcomers to peated whisky and seasoned Islay enthusiasts searching for authentic expression.

By choosing Kilchoman, you’re not just selecting a whisky but becoming part of a community that values craftsmanship, tradition, and the unique terroir of Islay’s wild western coast.