Kilchoman Distillery, established in 2005 on Islay's western coast, is the first new distillery on the island in 125 years. Founder Anthony Wills aimed to uphold Islay's distilling traditions, conducting the entire whisky-making process on-site. Kilchoman Machir Bay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from hardy Publican barley grown on the distillery's campus, malted, and peated to 20 ppm. Fermented for 3-4 days, it's distilled twice in copper-pot stills. The 2013 expression, a blend of 4 and 5-year-old whiskies, matures in American oak, with a portion double-barreled in Oloroso Sherry casks. Kilchoman's strict wood policy enhances the quality of this young single malt. The result is a peaty aroma with hints of salt, citrus, and a palate featuring vanilla, coconuts, papaya, malt, and subtle spices. The finish is peaty, fresh, and lingers with vanilla and caramel. Kilchoman Machir Bay was awarded Whisky of the Year at the 2013 International Whisky Competition and earned a Gold Medal at the 2012 International Wine and Spirits Competition.
