Islay’s Kilchoman Distillery has unveiled a limited series of single malt whiskies to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The release, named the 20th Anniversary Cask Series, features four small batch expressions made from a total of 20 specially selected casks.
Kilchoman was founded in 2005 by Anthony Wills, who still leads the family-run distillery. Reflecting on the milestone, Wills said, “It’s been a journey, not always easy, but very fulfilling.”
Four Expressions Highlight Bourbon and Sherry Influence
The 20th Anniversary Cask Series includes four whiskies, each created from five casks and highlighting different aspects of Kilchoman’s signature character. The range explores both bourbon and sherry cask maturation.
The first release is a 14-year-old single malt aged in bourbon casks. Bottled at 51.2% ABV, it is limited to just 1,120 bottles. Tasting notes include rich caramel, lemon zest, and a light peat smoke, followed by flavors of toffee, vanilla, and lemon curd.
The second 14-year-old expression is made entirely from Islay-grown barley and matured in sherry casks. This whisky offers aromas of barbecue smoke, black pepper, and dried fruit. On the palate, it delivers warm spice, dried dates, dark chocolate, and liquorice. It is bottled at 55% ABV and limited to 3,145 bottles.
The third release is a 15-year-old single malt aged in sherry casks. It presents notes of sweet sherry, pepper, and brine on the nose, with dark fruit and soft smoke on the palate. It is bottled at 52.7% ABV, with 3,153 bottles available.
The fourth and final whisky is an 18-year-old single malt matured in ex-bourbon casks. It is one of Kilchoman’s oldest whiskies to date and is limited to 1,209 bottles. Bottled at 46% ABV, this whisky features aromas of butterscotch, vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. The flavor profile includes toffee fruits, peat smoke, and brine.
UK and Europe to Get First Release
The 20th Anniversary Cask Series will debut in the UK and across Europe, with retail prices ranging from £120 to £190 ($159 to $252). International markets will follow later in the year.
Earlier in 2025, Kilchoman also released a 13-year-old limited edition single malt. The distillery continues to earn recognition for its whiskies; at the 2024 Scotch Whisky Masters, it received two Master medals for its Batch Strength and Sanaig expressions. Kilchoman’s flagship single malt, Machir Bay, also received a gold medal.
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