Kilchoman 11 year old - Family Collection - Sherry Cask Matured Heavily Peated

Profile: An Overview of the Kilchoman 11 year old – Family Collection – Sherry Cask Matured Heavily Peated

• Aged exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks for over 11 years
• Heavily peated single malt whisky with a phenol content of 50 ppm
• Part of the strictly limited Family Collection 2026
• Personally selected by the five members of the founding Wills family
• Presented in an exclusive, premium gift box
• Natural state – bottled without coloring and without chill-filtration

Portrait: What Defines the Kilchoman 11 year old – Family Collection – Sherry Cask Matured Heavily Peated

When a distillery lets its family choose the casks, it can mean one of two things: either a big family reunion is on the cards—or something special is being created. In the case of the Kilchoman 11 Year Old – Family Collection – Sherry Cask Matured Heavily Peated, it is clearly the latter. The founding Wills family personally selected their favorites for the inaugural Family Collection, adding another remarkable chapter to the story of one of Islay’s youngest distilleries.

Kilchoman was founded in 2005 and is known as Islay’s Farm Distillery—a place where tradition and independence go hand in hand. Amidst the vast beaches and rugged landscape of the Scottish Hebrides, many processes are carried out right on-site. This makes Kilchoman a distillery that charts its own course while remaining proud of its roots.

Following the huge success of the 20th Anniversary Casks, the strictly limited Family Collection now makes its debut. Four carefully curated bottlings impressively demonstrate how Kilchoman evolves as it matures. Ranging from an 11-year-old Sherry cask release to the distillery’s oldest release to date—a single malt aged for 20 years—the series traces a unique arc through the distillery’s history.

This 11-year-old edition relies entirely on maturation in Oloroso sherry casks and is based on Kilchoman’s signature heavily peated barley, boasting a phenol content of 50 ppm. It fits seamlessly into the distillery’s distinctive style while reflecting the Wills family’s commitment to selecting exceptional cask compositions for this exclusive series.

Visually, too, the Family Collection presents a festive appearance. The premium gift box, finished in striking Kilchoman blue, ensures the bottle makes a lasting impression even before it is opened. You might say that even the shelf stands a little straighter. This limited edition represents not only a special chapter in Kilchoman’s history but also a beautiful example of what can be achieved when passion is truly a family affair.

Tasting Notes: The flavor profile of the Kilchoman 11 year old – Family Collection – Sherry Cask Matured Heavily Peated

• Nose: Bold peat smoke aromas rise immediately to the nose, mingling with dark dried fruits, raisins, and dates. These are complemented by roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and spicy oak notes. Subtle hints of leather, tobacco, and orange peel add further depth to the bouquet.
• Palate: Full-bodied and intense, featuring a harmonious blend of robust peat smoke and the influence of full maturation in Oloroso sherry casks. Dark berries, figs, and prunes meet notes of cocoa, espresso, and roasted almonds. Spicy nuances of cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper are balanced by a pleasant sweetness, while the oak provides structure and elegance.
• Finish: Long, warming, and expressive. The peat smoke lingers, accompanied by dark chocolate, spicy wood notes, and dried fruits. Subtle hints of walnuts and spices gradually fade, leaving a lasting, complex impression.