This new Islay release might just set Kilchoman fans abuzz

Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 09:34

Never miss whisky news, reviews, and new releases again.

The Scottish distillery Kilchoman is introducing a new permanent age-statement expression. Kilchoman Rockside is an 11-year-old single malt whisky. The whisky succeeds the 100% Islay series and is the first in the cor e range with an age statement.

The new Rockside 11 Years Old becomes the latest permanent expression in Kilchoman’s core range. This Islay single malt follows the popular 100% Islay series and is crafted entirely from barley grown on Kilchoman’s own Rockside Farm on Islay. In that sense, it carries forward the spirit of the now-concluded series from the distillery.

Kilchoman has been cultivating barley on Rockside Farm, right next to the distillery, for over 20 years. This locally grown barley formed the backbone of the renowned 100% Islay whiskies for many years and now returns in the Rockside 11 Years Old—though the whisky does chart a fresh course.

Islay whisky aged 11 years in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks

Rockside is lightly peated. At 20 ppm, the single malt isn’t intensely smoky and remains approachable for a wide audience. That PPM still delivers a distinctly Islay character.

For maturation, a mix of bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks was selected. Over time in these casks, the whisky has developed a balanced flavor profile with fruity, sweet, and spicy notes layered with gentle peat smoke.

What are the tasting notes for Kilchoman Rockside 11?

Kilchoman has shared detailed tasting notes for this whisky. You’ll find them below:

Nose: Fresh aromas of orange and lemon zest, complemented by elderflower, honeyed sweetness, and a subtle maritime smoke.
Palate: Citrus and tropical fruits mingle with malty sweetness, joined by notes of toffee apple, salted caramel, and a light, elegant peat smoke.
Finish: Long and silky with butterscotch, walnuts, juicy citrus, and ripe stone fruit.

Where can you buy Kilchoman Rockside?

As the first age-statement whisky in the permanent Core Range, this release stands out. The new single malt will be available via the distillery’s website. Whether it will also appear on shelves at local retailers is unclear, and the same goes for the price of the 11-year-old whisky.