Kilchoman has released its Cognac Cask Matured single malt, a full-term congnac cask maturation whisky, bottled at 50% abv. The 2026 edition combines 33 first-fill ex-Cognac barriques distilled in 2019.
The release extends the Islay distillery’s “Not A Finish” series and follows the Maury Cask Matured expression. The series explores the effects of full-term maturation in experimental casks.
Unlike many producers that use Cognac casks solely to finish their whisky, Kilchoman matured this expression entirely in ex-Cognac barriques. This approach allows the French oak to fully express itself throughout the maturation period.
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“Full-term maturation in first-fill experimental casks is risky; we need to monitor the maturation very closely,” said Anthony Wills, Kilchoman founder.
“The aim is to maximise flavour, both from the cask and from the spirit. The Cognac casks bring an abundance of flavour but left too long and they would overwhelm the Kilchoman spirit.”
Wills added: “The casks work to their own schedule, and we need to be ready to bottle when the balance is right.”
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READ THE STORYThe official notes explain that the whisky marries toasted nuts, warming spices and stone fruit with Kilchoman’s peat smoke and citrus character. It is described as bright and vibrant and balances ripe pear and apple with crystalized ginger, baking spices and coastal peat smoke.
The nose offers ripe pears and apples, with peat smoke, honey sweetness, toasted nuts and baking spices. The palate has a buttery mouthfeel, with waves of baked fruit, honeycomb and salty sweetness. The finish brings drying smoke with a lasting sweetness and mellow fruit notes.
The launch arrives as Kilchoman’s core range earns recognition. Its Rockside 11 expression won the top “Master” award in the “Best Islay Whisky: Up to 12 Years” category. The distillery’s Machir Bay, Sanaig and Batch Strength releases were also awarded medals.
Kilchoman was founded in 2005 as the first distillery built on Islay in 124 years. It remains a farm distillery, growing and malting a portion of its own barley on site.
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