Kilchoman bolsters Islay barley supply

Kilchoman Distillery has extended its Islay roots with the acquisition of the farm on which the distillery is based, whose barley supply will allow the Scotch whisky producer to step up production.

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman was Islay’s first new distillery in 125 years and claims to be the only Scotch whisky producer to carry out every element of the whisky making process on site, from barley growing through to malting and bottling.

The acquisition of Rockside Farm, which comes with 400 acres of arable land, will bolster the 100 tonnes of barley already grown around the distillery.

At the end of November 2015, current owners Mark and Rohaise French will hand over the property after 30 years in order to spend more time with their family and “pursue new opportunities off the island”.

Anthony Wills, managing director of Kilchoman Distillery, highlighted the importance of this addition, saying: “We have always been proud to produce whisky from barley to bottle and the purchase of Rockside Farm secures this vision for the future”.

The announcement comes as Kilchoman steps up its profile by becoming a sponsor of the Longines FEI European Eventing Championship 2015, which takes place at Blair Castle in Scotland from 10-13 September.

This highlight of the international equestrian calendar will feature a “Kilchoman Moment of the Day”, open to competitors and spectators alike, whose “outstanding contribution” to the event will be rewarded with a bottle of Kilchoman, presented in the main arena.

Confirming the partnership, Wills commented: “We are proud of our Scottish roots and we look forward to being part one of the most anticipated events of the year.”

The deal sees Kilchoman sit alongside the competition’s official Champagne sponsor, Pol Roger, whose UK subsidiary Pol Roger Portfolio added Kilchoman to its agency business last year.