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Islay: Kilchoman Distillery has unveiled its limited edition 13-year-old single malt whisky, featuring a unique maturation process and tasting notes that include pineapple and peat smoke. Set to retail at £89, this marks a significant step in the distillery’s expansion into age-statement expressions.

Islay-based Kilchoman Distillery has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of a limited edition 13-year-old single malt whisky. This release follows the 2023 debut of its 16-year-old whisky, marking the distillery’s first foray into age statement expressions.

The 13-year-old whisky, which was officially launched on 26 February 2025, is crafted through a careful maturation process involving a blend of Bourbon barrels, octaves, and Calvados casks. It is bottled at a robust 50% ABV, offering distinctive aromas of fresh pineapple, hibiscus, and lemon sherbet. Tasting notes include dried apple granola, caramelised puffed wheat, buttered popcorn, and a hint of peat smoke.

Anthony Wills, founder of Kilchoman Distillery, commented on the new release, stating, “After the overwhelming response to our 16-year-old, I’m excited to announce the release of another age statement Kilchoman: the 13-year-old. The ex-Bourbon casks make up a large part of the vatting, lending that unmistakable Kilchoman character, while the addition of Calvados casks, which may surprise a few people, infuses vibrant green apple and fresh fruit notes into the mix. Although our older stocks remain limited, we’re excited to share a variety of aged expressions with you over the next few years.”

From the first week of March 2025, this new expression will be available across Europe, retailing at approximately £89 (US$112) for a 700ml bottle. Kilchoman, established in 2005, is poised to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, highlighting its growth and prominence in the whisky industry.

In a strategic move to enhance its operations, Kilchoman secured a £22.5 million (US$30.4m) funding package from Barclays in 2022, aimed at expanding its site and increasing its global reach. Furthermore, the distillery recently announced plans to establish a rum distillery in Barbados, diversifying its portfolio beyond whisky.

This introduction of the 13-year-old single malt marks a significant milestone for Kilchoman Distillery, reinforcing its commitment to producing high-quality, age-reflected whiskies while capitalising on existing market trends in the spirits industry.

Source: Noah Wire Services

Jessica Pierce

Jessica Pierce is a journalist specialising in the alcohol industry, covering market trends, innovation, regulation, and brand strategy. With a keen eye for industry shifts, she provides insightful analysis and expert commentary.

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