Kilchoman 16 years old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 50%

Kilchoman was founded in 2005, so a 16 year old bottling isn't just an age statement — it's basically the distillery's entire lifetime captured in one glass. It's the oldest official Kilchoman ever to leave the warehouse.

Expert's description

Kilchoman 16 Year Old is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, matured for 16 years and bottled at 50 %.

The whisky is built from 21 selected casks, mainly ex-bourbon with a smaller proportion of ex-oloroso sherry casks that add depth and a hint of darker fruit. At 16 years old, it's the longest maturation Kilchoman has ever put its name to, and a rare chance to taste what happens when the distillery's young, energetic style is allowed to mature far beyond most of the house's other releases.

The long maturation in Kilchoman's warehouses by the Atlantic has given the spirit time to settle and round out, without losing the citrus-fresh smoke that defines the distillery. The result is a whisky that's both deeper and more complex than the younger core range, yet unmistakably Kilchoman.

Tasting notes

Nose

Ripe apples and honey meet dried apricot and a deep, earthy peat smoke, with a hint of vanilla and old oak underneath.

Palate

Full and round, with caramel, toasted nuts and a warm spice note that slowly lets the smoke take over alongside a light sherry sweetness.

Finish

Long and dry, with lingering smoke, dark chocolate and a final, gentle sweetness from the sherry casks.

Specifications

Name: Kilchoman 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery: Kilchoman
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 16 years
ABV: 50 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Oloroso Sherry Casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Double distilled
Edition: Limited Edition
EAN no.: 5060210707149

Flavour profile

Peated · Full-bodied · Fruity · Spicy · Oaked

Investment potential

Medium. This is the oldest official age statement Kilchoman has ever released, from a limited number of casks — the kind of release that historically becomes harder to find as the years pass.

Did you know?

When Kilchoman was founded in 2005, several in the industry doubted whether such a small farm distillery would ever produce a double-digit age statement. Sixteen years later, the answer speaks for itself.

See our full range of Kilchoman

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Frequently asked questions about Kilchoman 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

What makes Kilchoman 16 Year Old different from the younger releases?

It's the longest maturation Kilchoman has ever released under its own name, giving a noticeably deeper and rounder whisky than the younger core releases like Machir Bay and Sanaig.

Is Kilchoman 16 Year Old the oldest whisky the distillery has made?

Yes, it's the oldest official age statement Kilchoman has put its name to since the distillery was founded in 2005.

Is this whisky worth it compared to other Islay whiskies of the same age?

Yes, the long maturation from one of Islay's most acclaimed modern distilleries and the limited number of casks make it a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts.

How does a 16 year old Kilchoman compare to the younger Machir Bay?

It's noticeably deeper and more complex, with clear oak influence, darker fruit and a rounder sweetness, while Machir Bay is fresher and more citrus-driven.

Should Kilchoman 16 Year Old be served neat or with water?

Try it completely neat first to get the full complexity, then add a few drops of water if you want to open up the fruit further.

Are there plans for older Kilchoman releases in the future?

The distillery is still relatively young, so every new age record is an event. Follow our podcast episode about Kilchoman for the story of the distillery's development.