Kilchoman Distillery: Visiting Islay’s Farm Distillery

Kilchoman is a small, independent farm distillery near Machir Bay on Islay’s north-west coast, opened in the mid-2000s as the island’s first new distillery in well over a century. It is known for young, fresh, heavily peated whisky and its 100% Islay bottling. In 2026 the Classic Tour costs £18 per adult, and the farm is about 30 minutes from the Port Askaig ferry.

By Sheldon · MegaSpace Private Journeys · Updated 2026-10-06

Part of our Islay Whisky Guide

What makes Kilchoman special?

Kilchoman was founded in 2005 by Anthony Wills and is family-owned and independent. It sits on Rockside Farm on the Rhinns of Islay, close to Machir Bay, one of the island’s finest beaches. When it opened it was widely described as the first new distillery on Islay for more than a century.

Its signature idea is the 100% Islay bottling: barley grown on the farm, malted on the distillery’s own floor maltings, then distilled, matured and bottled on site. Few distilleries anywhere in Scotland can make that claim, and you can see the whole process in one small, walkable site.

What does Kilchoman whisky taste like?

Kilchoman is heavily peated but, because the distillery is young, the spirit tends to be bright and fresh rather than heavy, with citrus and fruit under the smoke. The core range usually includes:

• Machir Bay — the flagship, named after the nearby beach
• Sanaig — a richer, sherry-influenced style
• 100% Islay — the farm-to-bottle release
• Loch Gorm — a sherry-cask release

Ranges and limited editions change, so ask in the shop what is available at the distillery.

Which Kilchoman tours are available, and what do they cost?

Prices listed on the official booking page as of 2026:

In winter the distillery runs on limited days (Sunday to Tuesday), so check before planning an off-season visit. Driver’s drams are available on request, and booking ahead is recommended. Check current hours and prices on the official site before you travel; we can book tours for you.

Can you eat at Kilchoman?

Yes. The distillery café serves lunches, coffee and home baking, and it is one of the most popular lunch stops on the west of the island. In winter it opens Sunday to Tuesday, 10:00–15:30; lunch bookings can be made via info@kilchomandistillery.com. Summer opening hours are seasonal, so confirm them directly before you go.

How does Kilchoman fit into an Islay route?

All ferries from Kennacraig currently arrive at Port Askaig, because the Port Ellen terminal has been closed since 2 June 2026. Kilchoman is roughly 30 minutes from Port Askaig and about 20 minutes from Bowmore. It pairs naturally with Bruichladdich on a Rhinns day, with lunch at the café and a walk on Machir Bay in between.

Why with a driver? Islay's distillery tours end with a tasting, and the best ones end with several. Scotland's drink-drive limit (50 mg per 100 ml of blood) is lower than in England, and in practice a single proper dram can put a driver over it. Most distilleries offer a driver's dram to take away, but that means the person at the wheel tastes everything hours later at the hotel. With a private driver everyone tastes on the spot, and the car carries any bottles you buy.

Our driver-guide also knows the single-track roads, the passing-place etiquette and the timing of the ferry at Port Askaig — which matters more than ever now that every Kennacraig sailing lands there.

Frequently asked