Founded in 2005, Kilchoman distillery (pronounced Kil-ho-man) would release its first batch in the very same year. The distillery decided to open at Rockside Farm because the farm is known to grow the best barley on the island of Islay.
Anthony Wills, the founder of Kilchoman Distillery Co Ltd came up with the idea to build a farm distillery after noticing an interest in single malt whisky had been growing since the 1990’s.
Islay proved to be the ideal location to build a farm distillery, the climate is perfect to grow barley and also has a substantial amount of water and peat needed to dry the malt.
Today, Kilchoman distillery produces approximately 225,000 litres of alcohol every year.
Awards:
Since its inception, Kilchoman has collected a slew of prestigious awards. Most notably, 8 years after releasing their first single malt whisky it would go on to win ‘Whisky of the Year’ at the International Whisky Competition and received the highest score from more than 50 whisky experts.
More recently, at the 2017 International Wine and Spirits Competition, the Kilchoman Machir Bay, 100% Islay and Loch Gorm whiskeys would all win a silver medal for their outstanding taste.
Your guide to the Kilchoman range of Single Malt Whiskeys:
Machir Bay
The leader of the Kilchoman collection. Machir Bay is inspired by the most breathtaking beach on Islay. Shortly after release in 2012, it would collect a Gold Award at the 2012 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC). Machir Bay delivers a vanilla, butterscotch taste with a smoky finish.
Sanaig
Sanaig is a whisky that has strong sherry tastes because of the oloroso sherry casks used in the ageing process, which also allows for darker colouring compared to other whiskeys. At the IWSC 2016, Sanaig won Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky for non age statement.
100% Islay
The 100% Islay is true to its name. Every step of production is done at the Islay distillery. The barley is grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled on the farm. 100% Islay has a strong ABV of 50% and releases a new version of the spirit annually.
Loch Gorm
You will enjoy strong sherry and fruity flavours with the Loch Grom as it is the only complete ex-sherry cask release in the Kilchoman range. From 2012 onwards, Kilchoman releases a new edition of the Loch Grom. The name is inspired by the famous loch that is found just beyond the distillery.
Vintages
The Vintages that are hand picked by Kilchoman have been matured in some of the oldest bourbon barrels on the farm distillery. The very first vintage was released in 2006 and was 5 years of age. Since then, a vintage has been released in 2007, 2008 and 2015. Each vintage has strong butterscotch aromas thanks to the bourbon barrels used.
Port Cask Matured
Released in 2014, the Port Cask Matured is aged in Ruby Port casks which allows for strong, nutty and chocolate flavours to emerge. The whisky has dark colouring, similar to mahogany. Bottled with an ABV of 55% it is stronger than most other whiskeys in the Kilchoman collection.
Madeira Cask Matured
The Madeira Cask Matured is an innovative release by Kilchoman. Standard industry practice finishes whisky in wine casks for just a few months, whereas Kilchoman keeps the Madeira in wine casks for 3-5 years. This method allows for a strong, nutty whisky that packs a punch.
Browse our complete range of whiskeys in our online store.
