TWO NEW FARM-HOUSE DISTILLERIES A new era of distilling begins, reflecting the promise and hope of 150 years ago, with the establishment of two new mini farm-based distilleries. Pictured at Islay’s new Kilchoman Distillery are (l to r) the spirit still, founder and owner Anthony Wills and consultant Dr Jim Swan. KILCHOMAN On the west coast of Islay at Rockside near Machair Bay, farmer Mark French has teamed up with entrepreneur Anthony Wills to establish Kilchoman Farm Distillery which is expected to be commissioned in July. Uniquely self-sufficient, Kilchoman (pr. Kil-hoemun) is a modern recreation of the farmhouse distilleries that are the basis of today’s industry. Rockside Farm has grown barley for many years and this is to be used to supply the distillery. Floor maltings have been built and the whole production process through to maturation and bottling will be undertaken on site. Initial production will be in the region of 80,000 bottles. Assisted by industry engineer Ron Gibson and production consultant Dr Jim Swan, Mr Wills intends to produce a peaty and fruity style of whisky. DAFTMILL A second new and hitherto little-known farmhouse distillery is ready for commissioning in Fife. Farmers and whisky fans the Cuthbert family have built a small distillery in their farmyard in central Fife. Of a similar size to Kilchoman, Daftmill will be starting in August but will not be malting on site. It is expected to produce a lowland style and will become the third ‘surviving’ Lowland distillery. The owners are keen to point out that the Daftmill project should not be confused with the other proposed Fife distillery, Ladybank, of which no progress is known. Daftmill does not plan to open to the public, unlike Kilchoman which is breaking with the traditional farm aspect in that there is already a lavish retail outlet with catering in place. (So go visit Kilchoman).