Kilchoman Machir Bay is the flagship expression of Islay’s farm distillery — named after the most spectacular beach on the island and a whisky of genuine complexity and character. A unique and complex combination of ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts, Machir Bay delivers the beautiful balance of vanilla, smoky butterscotch, and rich fruitiness that has made it one of the most celebrated Islay single malts of the modern era. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV, it was awarded the IWSC 2012 Gold Award on its very first release, and Best Islay Single Malt at the International Whisky Competition in 2016.
“Machir Bay has a beautiful balance of vanilla, smokey butterscotch and rich fruitiness each contributing in complexity and combining to create a truly unique Islay dram.”
— John MacLellan, Distillery Manager
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Warm golden amber — the inviting colour of an Islay single malt matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts, with the depth and warmth that Kilchoman’s farm distillery approach delivers.
Aroma
Beautiful and complex — vanilla and smoky butterscotch lead, with rich fruitiness adding depth and sweetness. The classic Islay peat smoke is present but perfectly integrated, creating a bouquet of genuine elegance and character.
Palate
Uniquely balanced — vanilla, smoky butterscotch, and rich fruit carry through a palate of genuine complexity, with the ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry cask combination delivering layers of flavour that reward every sip. Non-chill filtered at 46% ABV for full texture and character.
Pairs With
Kilchoman Machir Bay pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, oysters, aged hard cheeses, dark chocolate, and peaty charcuterie — a classic Islay dram equally rewarding neat, with a drop of water, or over a single large ice cube.
Awards
Best Islay Single Malt — International Whisky Competition (IWC) 2016
Gold Award — IWSC 2012
