Kilchoman may not carry the decades of history that some Islay distilleries boast, but since its founding in 2005, it has proven itself to be a standout on the whisky map. As the first new distillery on Islay in 125 years, Kilchoman has brought something refreshingly unique to this iconic whisky-producing region.
Situated on a working farm on the western edge of Scotland—the country’s most westerly distillery, no less—Kilchoman is home to Islay’s only Single Farm Single Malt Scotch. The Wills family, led by founder Anthony Wills, has poured their passion into every aspect of the operation. Anthony’s vision was to revive the lost traditions of farm distilling, and Kilchoman embodies this beautifully, staying true to its independent spirit as one of only two independently owned distilleries on Islay.
A Unique Islay Whisky
While Islay is known for bold, smoky whiskies, Kilchoman’s approach brings something a little different. They cut their distillate at a higher ABV, resulting in a lighter, fruitier profile that’s unmistakably Kilchoman. Every bottle is presented at 46% ABV or higher, non-chill filtered, and naturally colored—a mark of their commitment to quality and transparency. Unlike many, they age 100% of their whisky on the island, further rooting their spirit in Islay’s rich whisky tradition.
The Core Range
Kilchoman’s core range offers something for everyone:
Machir Bay: A beautifully balanced bourbon-cask-finished whisky that showcases Kilchoman’s light yet smoky style.
Sanaig: Finished in sherry casks, this whisky is rich with dried fruit and spice, perfectly complementing the smoky base.
Batch Strength: While there’s no official cask strength in their range, the Batch Strength release (57% ABV) fills that gap. This blend of bourbon, sherry, and red wine casks packs the biggest punch in the lineup and is easily my favorite of the lineup.
Special Releases
Kilchoman’s special releases further demonstrate the distillery’s commitment to innovation and tradition:
100% Islay: This is Kilchoman’s pride and joy, made entirely on the island—from the grain to the glass. It’s a true reflection of Islay’s terroir, capturing the island’s essence in every drop.
Loch Gorm: Named after Islay’s largest freshwater loch, this whisky is aged entirely in oloroso sherry casks. According to founder Anthony Willis, “Each cask was chosen for its unique flavor profile which, when combined together with the other 21 casks, create a beautiful balance of rich fruity character with layers of classic Kilchoman, peat smoke, and citrus sweetness.”
Distillery of the Year
Kilchoman’s dedication to quality, innovation, and transparency sets it apart from the pack. They’ve taken the bold spirit of Islay and added their own twist, crafting lighter, fruitier whiskies that are still unmistakably Islay. Their farm-to-bottle ethos and commitment to aging all their whisky on the island reflect their deep respect for tradition, while their experimental approach to cask maturation keeps things fresh and exciting.
This balance of tradition and innovation is why, for me, Kilchoman is the distillery of the year for 2024. Whether you’re new to whisky or an experienced enthusiast, Kilchoman offers something special—and that’s worth raising a glass to.
Try some of their special bottling below
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