Kilchoman

Kilchoman, officially Kilchoman Farm Distillery, is an Islay single malt whisky distillery located on the Isle of Islay, Scotland. Situated at Kilchoman on the island’s western coast, it was founded by Anthony Wills and opened in 2005, making it the first new distillery built on Islay in more than a century. The operation is farm-based, with barley grown on the distillery’s own Kilchoman Farm and malted on site in a small floor malting facility. Water for production comes from local springs. The distillery uses traditional copper pot stills and a practical fermentation regime to produce its whisky.

Kilchoman markets a small but recognised range of single malts. The core expressions include Machir Bay, Sanaig and Loch Gorm, each named for features on Islay. The whiskies typically demonstrate a peat-influenced profile, with maturation in American oak, often accompanied by sherry cask influence for some expressions. Kilchoman has also promoted the 100% Islay concept, aging and finishing whisky entirely in casks sourced from Islay producers and in Islay-drawn barley, highlighting the island’s character.

Tours and a visitor centre are run at the distillery, offering tours of production and tastings. Kilchoman has become a notable example of modern, craft distilling on Islay and has contributed to the island’s growing reputation for independently produced single malts.