This year, following the completion of their 2025 harvest, Kilchoman has released the 15th Edition of its 100% Islay whisky. This 9-year-old expression is a blend of 54 ex-bourbon barrels, distilled from barley harvested in 2014 and 2015. The barley varieties used were.
A Unique Taste Profile
The whisky, bottled at 50% abv, offers a more intense experience than some of Kilchoman’s other releases, such as Machir Bay and Sanaig. Thanks to the Islay-grown barley and a lower peating level, it has a more viscous texture with prominent citrus and malty notes. Anthony Wills, the founder of Kilchoman, describes the taste as having “fresh vanilla” that transitions into flavors of “tropical fruit, toasted oak, and salted butter”. It also features layers of “candied fruits, ripe pear, white pepper and waves of peat smoke”.
From Field to Bottle
The 100% Islay range is notable for being Islay’s only Single Farm, Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The entire process, from growing the barley in their fields to malting, distilling, maturing, and bottling, all happens on-site at the Kilchoman distillery. This approach ensures that the whisky never leaves Islay until it’s ready to be shared.
A Celebration of Heritage
Kilchoman, a family-run farm distillery on Islay’s rugged west coast, was established in 2005 by Anthony Wills with the goal of returning whisky production to its roots. This ethos is deeply embedded in the 100% Islay range, which tells the story of the land and its people from the barley field to the bottle.
Key Details and Availability
The 100% Islay 15th Edition is non-chill filtered and has no added color. It is now available in the UK and Europe, with a wider release to other markets expected in the coming weeks.
