Kilchoman 100% Islay – From Barley to Bottle
From the birth of Kilchoman our 100% Islay philosophy was our reason for being; it represents the revival of farm distilled single malt produced on a single location from barley to bottle, where the responsibility for quality and consistency at each stage was not outsourced but completed on site with skill, care and attention to detail. We are proud to be the only distillery crafting single malt from barley both grown and malted on Islay, not to mention distilling, maturing and bottling here at Kilchoman as well.
So, pour yourself a dram, turn up the volume and enjoy the sights and sounds of Kilchoman as we follow the journey from barely to bottle.
Meet Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director
In the first of our People Behind the Whisky series we meet Anthony Wills, Founder and Managing Director of Kilchoman Distillery. Anthony and his wife Kathy created Kilchoman from a collection of derelict farm buildings in 2005, in doing so they established the first new distillery to be built on Islay in over 124 years. Their passion for whisky and ambition to revive the traditions of farm distilling has transformed Kilchoman from a fanciful dream into celebrated reality.
Meet Islay Heads, General Manager of Kilchoman Distillery
In this, the second of our People Behind the Whisky series, we talk to Islay Heads, General Manager here at Kilchoman. A true Ileach, Islay’s affection for the island, its’ people and produce is reflected in his passion for our 100% Islay philosophy. As General Manager, Islay oversees every part of our unique barley to bottle whisky-making process. From planting the barley to bottling the whisky, Islay ensures no corners are cut in our pursuit of crafting the finest Islay single malt.
Meet Robin Bignal, Production Manager of Kilchoman Distillery
In the third of our People Behind the Whisky series we meet Robin Bignal, Production Manager here at Kilchoman. As production manager, Robin oversees the key whisky-making processes at the heart of the distillery. From the malting and distilling to maturation and cask selection, Robin’s passion, knowledge and understanding of our unique hand-crafted practices guarantees the quality and consistency of each bottle of Kilchoman.
Meet Jamie Muir, Maltman & Stillman at Kilchoman Distillery
Meet Jamie Muir, Kilchoman Maltman and Stillman. As one of a four-man malting and stillman team, Jamie is responsible for the daily malting, kilning and distillation of Kilchoman spirit. The non-automated nature of our floor maltings and hand-operated stills create a reliance on the experience and expertise of the stillman and their ability to tailor their procedures to the natural variances of the process. The skill and care of Jamie, as well as Russel, JJ and Neil, is the key ingredient in the creation of Kilchoman single malt.