Kilchoman Machir Bay

Profile: Kilchoman Machir Bay at a Glance

• Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Kilchoman Farm Distillery on the Isle of Islay
• Smoky and sweet - typical of young Islay malts
• Mature in former bourbon and oloroso sherry casks
• Natural - No chill filtration & no coloring!

Portrait: What makes the Kilchoman Machir Bay special

When you talk about Kilchoman Machir Bay, you're talking about a true island character - not the sun-tanned cocktail drinker, but rather the weather-beaten Scotsman braving the Atlantic in a woolly hat and rubber boots. This single malt comes from the rugged, mystical Isle of Islay—known for more sheep than people, plenty of peat, and a pretty serious whisky tradition. Kilchoman is one of the younger distilleries on the island (established in 2005), but what it lacks in age, it makes up for in character. It's one of Scotland's few "farm distilleries"—meaning, from barley to bottle, almost everything is made on-site. A bit like an organic farm, only with smoke and alcohol.

The name Machir Bay doesn't come from an old pirate, but from a beautiful, windswept beach near the distillery. Anyone who's ever seen it will immediately understand: these whiskies aren't made for parasols, but for men and women who grill even in storms.

Maturation takes place in a blend of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso sherry butts, and the whisky is, of course, bottled without chill filtration or coloring – true to the motto: If it's an island, then go for the real thing.

In short: Kilchoman Machir Bay isn't a soft-boiled wannabe malt – it's a young, wild one with rough edges and a whole lot of Islay at its heart.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Kilchoman Machir Bay tastes like

• Nose: Fresh citrus aromas open the tasting – lime and lemon practically leap out at you, like an Atlantic breeze with a citrus press – behind it lies a sweet smoke, charming and inviting, almost like a campfire with marshmallows – only with a Scottish accent
• Palate: Vanilla and butterscotch immediately make it clear who's in charge here – creamy, smooth, and almost dessert-like – but before you get too comfortable, the sweet peat comes around the corner and reminds you that you're on Islay – a harmonious combination of sweetness, smoke, and character
• Finish: Typical Kilchoman – fresh, clear, and maritime – the finish is long, pleasant, and almost like a last walk on the beach at Machir Bay – with the smoky scent of a campfire in your nose and salty spray on the lips