Kilchoman: Islay's farm distillery that unites tradition and courage in every drop

Introduction

After more than 125 years without a new distillery on Islay, Kilchoman rose to prominence in 2005 at Rockside Farm as the island’s first farm distillery. The vision was simple but ambitious: to create a 100% Islay Single Malt, with every step – from the barley fields to the bottling – taking place on the island. Founder Anthony Wills turned his back on mass production and instead focused on transparency and terroir, and the results speak for themselves in whiskies such as Machir Bay and 100% Islay.

The story behind the distillery

Kilchoman was established amidst the windswept fields of western Islay. From the start, they planted their own barley and revived floor malting, a time-consuming method that only a few Scottish distilleries still use. The first spirit ran from the stills in December 2005, and the first release came in 2009, immediately convincing critics that young whisky can be complex when crafted with care.

Production and craftsmanship

The distillery operates two sets of pot stills, producing only around 480,000 litres of spirit per year – almost microscopic by Scottish standards. Around 30% of the malt is home-grown (20ppm), with the remainder sourced from Port Ellen Maltings (50ppm), allowing for the opportunity to play with smoky and more elegant profiles. Lagers are primarily made up of ex-bourbon casks from Buffalo Trace and Oloroso sherry hogsheads. The salty Atlantic climate in the warehouses adds a maritime edge to the whisky, while the cask combinations round out the flavours with vanilla, dried fruit and toasted nuts.

Location and surroundings

Islay is known as the “Queen of the Hebrides” and is famous for its peat smoke, but also for its harsh, coastal microclimate. Kilchoman is located just a few hundred meters from Machir Bay, where the sandblasting and constant winds settle into the casks as notes of seaweed and salt. The farm’s own fields frame the distillery, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see the entire cycle of a single malt without leaving the grounds.

Visits and experiences

Guests can follow the grain's journey from the malting floor to the copper-shining stills, taste cask samples in the warehouse and finish in the café with local produce. Book a tour via the distillery's official website kilchomandistillery.com , where you'll also find information on seasonal openings and special tastings.

• How do you visit the distillery?
  Book your appointment online and drive along the A846 from Port Charlotte; parking is available at the farm.
• What characterizes their whisky?
  Malt from our own farm, distinct peat smoke combined with fresh citrus and maritime notes.
• When was the distillery founded?
  2005 by Anthony Wills – first new Islay distillery since 1881.
• Which releases are most popular?
  Machir Bay, Sanaig, Loch Gorm and the annual 100% Islay Limited Edition.
• Are all the steps really on Islay?
  Yes, barley, malting, distillation, aging and bottling are done at Rockside Farm.