Kilchoman Machir Bay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Islay, Scotland

Distant surf breaks on wind-blown peat, salt-lashed air drifts across weathered stone,  such is the sensory stage for the Kilchoman “Machir Bay” Single Malt Scotch Whisky. A dram that channels the rugged coastline of the Isle of Islay into its heart; it’s bold yet refined, wild yet honed with craft.

Product Details:

• Owner: Anthony Wills (and family)
• Style: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 46%
• Age Statement: No age statement (signature expression)

Sensory Description:

On the nose, you’ll find a fresh wave of zest-bright lemon peel and vanilla biscuity warmth, mingled with raw coastal smoke and saline brine. The palate unfolds with creamy butterscotch and honeyed malt, layered over tropical fruit (peach, sultana) and warmed driftwood peat. The finish lingers with cracked black pepper, sea salt and a gauzy peat smoke that evokes the ocean’s misted shoreline long after the glass is still.

Awards & Accolades:

• Double-Gold — ADI International Spirits Competition (2025, Non-Vintage)
• Gold — USA Spirits Ratings (2025, Non-Vintage)
  Roasted apple and peat aromas lift into a palate of marzipan, sea salt, and subtle toffee, finishing with soft smoke and a honeyed, coastal warmth.
• Gold — San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2023, Non-Vintage)
• Silver — International Wine & Spirit Competition (2025, Non-Vintage)
• Silver — International Wine & Spirit Competition (2024, Non-Vintage)
• Silver — USA Spirits Ratings (2024, Non-Vintage)
  Peaty scotch with smoky, long finish, savoury BBQ and meaty flavours, dry tannic notes, toast, bright fresh fruit, and spices enhancing the experience.
• Silver — International Spirits Challenge, Tasting Awards (2024, Non-Vintage)
• Silver — International Spirits Challenge, Tasting Awards (2023, Non-Vintage)
• Spirit Silver — International Wine & Spirit Competition (2023, Non-Vintage)
• Bronze — Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (2024, Non-Vintage)

Distiller's Background:

Kilchoman is a rare modern farm-distillery founded in 2005 on Rockside Farm on Islay, making it the first new distillery on the island in over a century. It remains family-owned by Anthony Wills and team, grows barley on site, malts in-house and handles distillation and maturation at the farm itself, a truly single-site production. Machir Bay was introduced as the distillery’s core signature expression, matured principally in first-fill bourbon casks, then partially finished in Oloroso sherry butts, achieving its distinct interplay of Islay peat and fruity sweetness.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve neat or with a drop of water at 60-65 °F (15-18 °C) to allow its maritime smoke and nuanced fruit layers to emerge fully. This whisky pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, strong blue-veined cheese, or dark chocolate with sea-salt caramel, all of which echo and enhance its smoke-salt-sweet profile.