Kilchoman runs prize draw for first 20YO whisky
Kilchoman Distillery is celebrating its 20th anniversary in unforgettable style—by offering fans the chance to win a bottle from its very first cask, filled back in December 2005. Instead of limiting the whisky to high-end collectors, Kilchoman has launched a prize draw, giving every supporter an equal shot at owning a piece of the distillery’s history.
Kilchoman 20-Year-Old Single Malt – Cask No. 1
Founded in 2005 by Anthony Wills, Kilchoman was the first new distillery built on Islay in over a century and is often seen as the pioneer of Scotland’s modern whisky revival. To mark its 20th anniversary, the distillery is drawing a single bottle from Cask No. 1, the first cask filled on 14 December 2005.
This 20-year-old single malt follows the release of four limited edition vattings earlier this year under the 20th Anniversary Cask Series. But unlike those, this bottling won’t be sold—only won.
Tickets for the prize draw are available now through the Kilchoman website, with entries closing in December 2025 when the cask officially reaches its milestone age.
The bottle will be presented in a handcrafted case that reflects Kilchoman’s journey. With textures symbolising organic growth, paper sourced from family-owned GF Smith, and Islay-engraved glass depicting the distillery’s skyline, it is as much a piece of art as it is whisky. Each winner also receives a handwritten note from founder Anthony Wills.
- Brand: Kilchoman Distillery
- Product Name: Kilchoman 20-Year-Old Single Malt – Cask No. 1
- Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Country: Scotland
- Region: Islay
- Distillery: Kilchoman Distillery
- Age: 20 Years
- Style: Peated Islay Single Malt
- ABV: Not disclosed (drawn directly from cask)
- Launch Date: December 2025 (20-year milestone)
- Availability: Prize draw only, one bottle released
- Price: Not for sale
Tasting Notes
While the exact profile of Cask No. 1 remains a mystery until bottling, fans can expect the rich depth that comes from two decades of slow maturation on Islay.
- Appearance: Deep amber gold, reflecting long cask influence
- Nose: Anticipated notes of maritime peat, dried fruits, and oak spice
- Palate: Likely to balance smoky complexity with sweetness from long aging, layered with citrus, toffee, and subtle brine
- Finish: Expected to be long, smoky, and elegant, with lingering warmth
Key Highlights
This release isn’t about investment—it’s about inclusion and celebration.
- First-ever 20-year-old whisky from Kilchoman
- Drawn directly from the distillery’s first cask (No. 1, filled in 2005)
- Only one bottle available globally, via prize draw
- Handcrafted packaging with personal details from Anthony Wills
- Celebrates Kilchoman’s 20 years of innovation and tradition
Final Overview
Kilchoman has chosen a democratic way to celebrate its milestone. Instead of limiting access to wealthy collectors, the distillery has made its first-ever 20-year-old whisky available to anyone who enters the draw. With its recent recognition at The Scotch Whisky Masters 2025—earning one Master medal and two Golds—Kilchoman is showing it can honour tradition while staying close to its fans.
As Anthony Wills noted, the goal is simple: “Hopefully, the winner will open and enjoy it as it was meant to be.”
FAQs
1. How can I enter the Kilchoman Cask No. 1 prize draw?
Entries are available via the official Kilchoman website, with the draw closing in December 2025.
2. Will more bottles from Cask No. 1 be released in the future?
No. Only one bottle is being drawn for the anniversary celebration.
3. Is this whisky intended for collectors or drinking?
The distillery hopes the winner will open and enjoy it, rather than store it away as an investment.
