Kilchoman to double distillery capacity

Scotch producer Kilchoman in Islay is to double its production capacity by the end of next year to make the most of the growing thirst for single malt whisky.

As reported by Scotchwhisky.com, the distillery has built a new malt floor and kiln on the site of the old Rockside Farm cow shed capable of processing four-tonne batches of the distillery’s own barley – double the current amount it can make.

There is also a new stillhouse, mash house and tun room in the pipeline for next year, which will house an additional two stills, a mash tun and six new washbacks.

The estate, which was founded in 2005, also plans to build five new warehouses over the next five years.

“The single malt market is still growing and we want to be part of this continued growth,” Kilchoman’s founder Anthony Wills, told Scotchwhisky.com

“We have built momentum with sales and I don’t want to be in a position in four to five years of having to allocate stock,” he added.

According to Scotchwhisky.com, all of the new additions to the distillery will be the same size and design as its existing equipment to ensure the consistency of the character of the spirit.

Once everything is up and running, Kilchoman will be able to double its capacity from 230,000 litres of pure alcohol a year to 460,000 litres.

In addition to Kilchoman, Ardbeg and Laphroaig are also looking to expand their production.