Kilchoman Machir Bay Single Islay Malt Whisky 46%

Machir Bay is the beach right outside the distillery's door — wide, white and forever whipped by the Atlantic. The whisky that carries its name is Kilchoman's public face: fresh, smoky and unmistakably Islay.

Expert's description

Kilchoman Machir Bay is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 46 %.

Machir Bay became Kilchoman's standing standard release in 2012 and today represents the house style better than any other bottle. It rests mainly on ex-bourbon casks, with a portion of the casks receiving a finishing period in used sherry casks, giving a balance of citrus freshness, sweetness and spice.

Kilchoman was founded in 2005 as Scotland's only true farm distillery, where barley is grown, floor malted, distilled and bottled in the same place — a philosophy that still runs through even the most accessible release in the range.

Tasting notes

Nose

Fresh citrus notes and sea breeze meet light peat smoke, vanilla and tropical fruit.

Palate

Creamy and balanced, with honeyed sweetness, citrus and butterscotch, spiced by undertones from the sherry casks.

Finish

Medium to long, with lingering smoke, salted caramel and a dry, pleasant close.

Specifications

Name: Kilchoman Machir Bay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery: Kilchoman
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 46 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Ex-Bourbon Casks with Sherry Finish
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Double distilled
EAN no.: 5060210700522

Flavour profile

Peated · Fresh · Citrus-fresh · Balanced · Maritime

Did you know?

Machir Bay won the title of Scotland's malt of the year in 2013, just a year after launch — an unusual achievement for such a young standard release.

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Frequently asked questions about Kilchoman Machir Bay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

What defines Machir Bay as Kilchoman's flagship?

It best represents the house style: a balance of citrus freshness, light peat smoke and sweetness from bourbon and sherry casks, making it both approachable and unmistakably Islay.

Is Machir Bay suitable for beginners to Islay whisky?

Yes, it's lighter and more approachable than many of Kilchoman's heavier releases, making it a natural place to start.

Why is Machir Bay named after a beach?

It's named after the iconic beach close to the distillery, known for its wide, white sand and views over the Atlantic.

What did Machir Bay win shortly after launch?

It won the title of Scotland's malt of the year in 2013, just a year after being launched as Kilchoman's standing standard release.

How should Machir Bay be served?

Best at room temperature in a nosing glass, ideally with a few drops of water to open up the citrus and vanilla notes.

Is Machir Bay a permanent part of Kilchoman's range?

Yes, it has been the distillery's standing standard release since 2012, unlike the many annual limited editions.