Kilchoman 9 Year Old 100% Islay 15th Edition

When keywords like Floor Malting and Locally Grown Barley appear together, they often come with premium pricing—a reputation a certain distillery in Campbeltown has played a significant role in establishing. However, they aren't the only ones upholding these traditional methods; the 100% Islay series from Kilchoman is built upon this very philosophy.

As a Farm Distillery, of course Kilchoman grows its own barley, with an annual harvest reaching 440 tons. After the floor malting process, the barley is kilned using local Islay peat. Even the byproduct of the mashing stage—the draff (spent grain)—doesn't go to waste; it is used to feed the cattle on their own farm (yes, this distillery keeps cows).

The 15th Edition has been matured for 9 years exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels. While Kilchoman is typically known for a young, heavily peated profile, the nose of this 100% Islay edition opens with fruity sweetness, fresh minerality, notes of salted butter, and a distinct maltiness, followed only later by a gentle hint of peat smoke. The palate is equally refreshing and sweet, gradually evolving into flavors of citrus and lemon peel before a final burst of peat. The finish leaves behind a lingering interplay of sweet and salty notes with a touch of tobacco aroma.

Tasting is now available at The Rare Malt’s Tsim Sha Tsui store, while stocks last.