When Kilchoman starting making single malt whisky in June 2005 it was the first distillery to be founded on Islay in 124 years. Yet this infant in the eyes of the ancient Islay malts is rapidly demonstrating that it can compete with the best of them. It’s latest offering, Machir Bay has just gone on sale, and has already been lauded by the critics.
The Machir Bay range is Kilchoman’s core expression, launched in 2012 when it claimed the prestigious IWSC 2012 Gold Medal – Best in Class. Bottled once a year, each release contains more mature whisky than the last allowing Kilchoman fans to follow the development of the unique Kilchoman malt as it matures.
The other big factor that makes Kilchoman an interesting distillery is the fact that it is unique in carrying out all parts of the whisky making process; from growing to bottling on the islands of Islay.
Machir Bay 2013 is a vatting of 4 and 5 year old ex-bourbon casks, with the 4 year casks being finished in Oloroso sherry butts for 4 weeks prior to bottling.
John MacLellan, Kilchoman Distillery Manager said: “The 2013 Machir Bay displays further evolution of the 2012 release, showing more maturation flavours from the excellent cask regime and is softer and more rounded with lovely creamy mouth- filling flavours”
Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Managing Director added: “Sales of Machir Bay 2012 far exceeded our expectations so we hope people will be equally impressed with this year’s more mature offering”
