Islay’s Farm-to-Glass Trailblazer
Few distilleries embody the spirit of modern Scotch whisky quite like Kilchoman Distillery. Built not on inherited legacy but on conviction, Kilchoman represents a return to traditional whisky-making values at a time when efficiency and scale dominate the industry.
Located on the rugged west coast of Islay, close to the sweeping sands of Machir Bay, Kilchoman Distillery has become one of the most respected names in peated Scotch whisky. Not because it is the oldest. Not because it is the biggest. But because it does things the right way — from barley in the field to whisky in the glass.
For whisky lovers who value authenticity, transparency and flavour above all else, Kilchoman stands as one of Islay’s most compelling distilleries.
A New Distillery with Old Values
Kilchoman Distillery was founded in 2005 by Anthony Wills, becoming the first new distillery built on Islay in more than 120 years. At the time, Islay was already home to some of the most iconic names in Scotch whisky, many with centuries of history behind them.
Rather than trying to compete on scale or reputation, Kilchoman set out with a very different goal. The vision was to revive the traditional farm distillery model — producing whisky entirely on site, with complete control over every stage of production.
From the outset, Kilchoman Distillery was designed to be small, hands-on and deeply connected to its surroundings. This philosophy has remained unchanged as the distillery has grown in reputation and global reach.
Islay’s Only Farm Distillery
What truly defines Kilchoman Distillery is its farm-to-glass approach. While many distilleries talk about provenance, Kilchoman lives it.
A portion of the barley used in Kilchoman whisky is grown on Rockside Farm, the land surrounding the distillery itself. This barley is malted on site using traditional floor maltings — a method now practiced by only a handful of Scottish distilleries.
Floor malting is labour-intensive, time-consuming and physically demanding, but it allows Kilchoman to retain full control over the character of its malt. Every stage of production takes place on Islay, from malting and distillation to maturation and bottling.
Few distilleries can claim such complete traceability. Kilchoman Distillery is one of them.
The Kilchoman Distillery Style
Kilchoman whisky is unmistakably Islay, but it occupies its own space within the island’s peated spectrum.
Peat smoke is central to the distillery character, but it is rarely aggressive or overpowering. Instead, Kilchoman’s smoke tends to be earthy and coastal, evoking damp peat, ash, and sea air rather than medicinal intensity.
Balancing the smoke is a bright, youthful spirit character. Citrus, green apple, pear and light floral notes appear frequently, giving the whisky freshness and lift. Much of this balance comes from Kilchoman’s heavy use of first-fill bourbon casks, which bring vanilla sweetness and structure.
Sherry cask maturation is used selectively, adding depth, dried fruit and spice without obscuring the distillery’s core identity. Across the range, there is a consistent maritime influence, reflecting maturation in close proximity to the Atlantic.
This combination of smoke, sweetness and coastal character defines Kilchoman Distillery’s house style.
Core Range and Notable Releases
Kilchoman Distillery has built a focused but diverse range, with each expression showcasing a different aspect of the distillery’s character.
Machir Bay serves as the distillery’s flagship release. Named after the nearby beach, it captures the essence of Kilchoman with peat smoke, citrus brightness, vanilla sweetness and a subtle saline edge. It is often the entry point for those new to Kilchoman whisky.
Sanaig leans more heavily on sherry cask influence, offering richer fruit, spice and depth alongside the signature smoke. It remains balanced and approachable while delivering a fuller mouthfeel.
Loch Gorm is Kilchoman’s yearly “special” release. It is usually darker, richer and more intense, with layers of dried fruit, chocolate, spice and earthy peat.
100% Islay is the distillery’s most complete expression of its farm distillery ethos. Produced entirely from barley grown on Rockside Farm, it showcases the full journey from field to bottle. Each annual release reflects variations in barley crop and cask selection, making it a fascinating series for enthusiasts.
Alongside the core range, Kilchoman Distillery regularly releases limited editions, single casks and age-statement whiskies that explore different cask types and maturation styles.
Visiting Kilchoman Distillery
A visit to Kilchoman Distillery offers one of the most immersive whisky experiences on Islay.
The compact site allows visitors to see every stage of production in one place, from floor maltings and mash house to stillroom and warehouses. The scale of the operation creates a personal, hands-on atmosphere that contrasts sharply with larger distillery tours.
Tours range from introductory walkthroughs to more in-depth tastings featuring limited and distillery-exclusive bottlings. The visitor centre and café provide a relaxed space to enjoy the surroundings and sample Kilchoman whisky at leisure.
For many visitors, Kilchoman is not just a distillery tour but a genuine insight into traditional Scotch whisky production.
Independent and Family Run
Kilchoman Distillery remains proudly independent and family owned. Anthony Wills and his wife Kathy built the distillery from the ground up, and today their sons are actively involved in the business.
In an industry increasingly dominated by multinational ownership, Kilchoman’s independence allows it to prioritise quality and long-term vision over short-term output. Production increases have been carefully managed, and experimentation remains thoughtful rather than trend-driven.
This family-led approach has helped Kilchoman maintain a strong identity and consistent quality as demand for its whisky continues to grow.
Growth Without Losing Identity
Since its first spirit run, Kilchoman Distillery has expanded its production capacity and global distribution, exporting whisky to markets around the world.
Despite this growth, the distillery has remained true to its founding principles. Barley continues to be grown on site. Floor maltings remain central to production. All whisky is matured and bottled on Islay.
Kilchoman has proven that it is possible to grow without compromising integrity, making it one of the most respected modern distilleries in Scotland.
Kilchoman Distillery in the Modern Whisky Landscape
Kilchoman occupies a unique position in Scotch whisky. It is young by industry standards, yet deeply traditional in approach. It combines innovation with respect for heritage, and modern success with old-fashioned values.
For many whisky drinkers, Kilchoman Distillery represents a return to authenticity — a reminder that great whisky is shaped by people, place and process rather than marketing.
On an island defined by characterful distilleries, Kilchoman has earned its place through consistency, transparency and flavour.
Final Thoughts
Kilchoman Distillery is more than a success story. It is a distillery built on belief, patience and respect for the land.
From the barley fields of Rockside Farm to the casks maturing beside the Atlantic, every decision at Kilchoman is guided by a commitment to quality. The result is whisky that feels honest, expressive and unmistakably Islay.
In a whisky world that often chases trends, Kilchoman quietly continues to do things its own way — and that is precisely why it matters.
