CAPTION - STILL ROOM “Honestly,” says Wills. “I never dreamed we’d be in the position we are now. I never imagined we’d be here. Never imagined my sons would be part of the business. Kilchoman has worked way past my expectations.” Before founding Kilchoman Wills had built up a successful career in the drinks industry. First in the wine trade and later – after moving to Scotland 30 years ago – as an independent bottler of single malt whisky. In the 1990s, business boomed with the growing interest in single malt. But as the demand for single casks grew, so the available supply dwindled. “I saw the end game and looked at where the premium end of malt market was going and realised, I needed to build my own distillery.” It was a bold move, but Wills was determined. “I didn’t look too closely at the finances, which might be completely nuts,” says Wills with a chuckle. “But I always knew if I could produce good spirit and put it into good wood, I’d have a market for it. So, I ploughed ahead.” THE NAVIGATOR | FEATURE ANTHONY WILLS THE KILN FLOOR MALTING BARLEY FIELDS AT KILCHOMAN 29
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