First Impressions
Kilchoman Machir Bay — named after the stunning beach near the distillery. Founded by Anthony Wills in 2005 on Rockside Farm, Kilchoman was the first new distillery on Islay in 124 years, since Malt Mill opened in 1908. It remains independent and family-run.
Barley to Bottle
Islay's only 'barley to bottle' farm distillery — they grow their own barley, floor-malt it on site, distill, mature, and bottle all on the estate. One of only six Scottish distilleries still floor-malting. The core Machir Bay uses approximately 90% ex-bourbon and 10% Oloroso sherry casks, with barley peated to 50ppm. Non-chill filtered at 46%.
Tasting
Punchy medicinal peat smoke on the nose with creamy vanilla and citrus. The palate delivers citrus butter over ashy peat with honeyed sweetness and biscuit malt. The 46% carries the peat without harshness. The finish is clean with drying ash and lemon pepper. Whisky of the Year at the International Whisky Competition.
The Verdict
Kilchoman Machir Bay earns a 7.5 — a strong entry point into Islay peat without being overwhelming. The farm distillery concept gives it authenticity that the island's bigger names can't match, and the non-chill-filtered 46% bottling shows confidence. At £42, genuinely exciting Islay whisky from the new generation.
