Kilchoman Machir Bay
Kilchoman Distillery Co. (Independent) · Kilchoman Distillery, Rockside Farm, Islay
Kilchoman is what happens when someone decides to do everything the hard way — and gets it spectacularly right. Anthony Wills didn't just build a new distillery on Islay; he built one that grows its own barley, malts it over its own peat-fired kiln, and distills in tiny copper pot stills.
Nose
Peat smoke and sea spray, lemon zest, heather honey, vanilla fudge, with a floral sweetness rising through the smoke
Palate
Maritime peat balanced by orchard fruit, salted caramel, smoked honey, black pepper, and a rich creaminess from the sherry cask influence
Finish
Medium-long with lingering campfire smoke, sea salt, and a clean citrus brightness
- Distillation
- Double distilled in copper pot stills
- Maturation
- Combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks
- Chill-Filtered
- Non-chill filtered, natural color
Cocktail Suggestion
Cocktail — The Peat & Honey Highball: 2 oz Kilchoman Machir Bay · 0.5 oz honey syrup (1:1) · 4 oz chilled soda water · Lemon twist. Build over ice in a tall glass, stir gently twice.
Food Pairing
Pair with: Smoked salmon on dark rye bread with a squeeze of lemon — the smoke in both amplifies the maritime character.
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