Car and scotch lovers rejoice at this beautiful collaboration between automaker Land Rover, and Islay based distillery Kilchoman as they release a limited edition Classic Defender and a unique scotch.
A good collaboration is a thing of beauty and classic cars and scotch go hand in hand, well at least when you aren’t driving that is. Kilchoman is launching its '639' whisky to go along with the revealing of a special-edition Land Rover Defender, the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition, to mark the car maker's 75th anniversary.
Land Rover and Kilchoman have a close family relationship; the co-founder of the distillery, Kathy Wills, is the granddaughter of Spencer Wilks, co-creator of Land Rover and managing director of the Rover Group. The first Land Rover was created on the Wilks' Laggan Estate on the island of Islay, where Kathy still resides with her husband Anthony.
The first Rover built by Spencer Wilks had the license plate GXC 639C, giving it the current numerical reference 639. This badging is included on the 30 of the Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition that were produced in a limited quantity. Each vehicle will come with its own bottle of "639" and a price starting at $287,00 for the 90 model and £245,000 for the 110 variant.
The contrasting colors in the paintwork of the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition were motivated by a Series Ila Land Rover Wilks owned and used. The limited-edition cars also contain a little piece of Kilchoman; ornamental wooden discs made of oak from the distillery's casks may be found in the tray of the main storage area and at the bottom of each cup holder.
The '639' whisky is a blend of spirits from barrels that formerly held bourbon and Pedro Ximénez, chosen by Kathy and Anthony Wills. At a cask strength of 51.3% ABV, it has been bottled. Only 639 bottles will be made available, and each bottle costs £80 through The Whisky Exchange.
“It has been very special for the teams at Kilchoman and Land Rover Classic to work together on these projects considering our long-standing family connection. It was a great moment when the team at Land Rover Classic brought my grandfather’s Series IIa back to Islay, and to the distillery, and I’m delighted to see the design details it has informed on their latest Classic Defender.” ~ Kathy Wills
There is a bit more of a broader history that ties Land Rover to Scotland. Thanks to a Scott by the name of Ian Duncan, who combined the two words, the renowned British automaker received its most well-known nameplate. The rest is history. In addition, a test-drive prototype that was inadvertently given the name "Christmas car" in 1947 was pushed to the limit by Spencer Wilks, a co-founder of Rover. There is a Highland link to the well-known off-roader because the naming ceremony took place on the island of Islay in the Scottish Hebrides archipelago.
Land Rover and Scotland are connected in several more ways. One of the most significant connections is through the Scottish Highlands, which are known for their rugged terrain and challenging driving conditions. Land Rover vehicles, with their reputation for off-road capability and durability, have become popular choices for navigating the rough terrain of the Scottish Highlands.
In addition to this, Land Rover has a long history of testing its vehicles in Scotland, using the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions to put its vehicles to the test. The company has a testing facility in the Highlands, where it conducts extensive testing and development of its vehicles.
Scotland is also home to the Land Rover Experience Scotland, a driving center that offers off-road driving experiences for Land Rover enthusiasts. Located in Dunkeld, Perthshire, the center allows visitors to test drive Land Rover vehicles in challenging off-road conditions, including steep hills, water crossings, and rough terrain.
About Kilchoman
Kilchoman is a Scottish whisky distillery located on the Isle of Islay, off the west coast of Scotland. The distillery was founded in 2005 and is one of the newest distilleries on Islay, which is known for producing some of Scotland's most famous and highly-regarded whiskies.
Kilchoman is a small, independent distillery that produces single malt Scotch whisky using traditional methods. The distillery's production process is entirely on-site, from the growing of the barley to the bottling of the finished whisky. Kilchoman is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland that still operates a traditional floor malting process, which involves soaking and sprouting the barley before drying it over peat fires.
The whisky produced by Kilchoman is known for its distinctive, smoky flavor, which comes from the peat fires used to dry the barley. The whisky is aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, which give it a complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, fruit, and smoke.
Kilchoman produces a range of whiskies, including its flagship product, the Machir Bay, which is a non-age-statement single malt whisky that is named after a nearby beach. The distillery also produces limited edition bottlings, including cask-strength and single cask whiskies.
In addition to producing whisky, Kilchoman offers tours of its facilities, which allow visitors to learn about the whisky-making process and sample its products. The distillery also has a visitor center and a gift shop, where visitors can purchase bottles of its whiskies and other souvenirs.
About Land Rover
Land Rover is a British car manufacturer that specializes in producing rugged, off-road vehicles. The company was founded in 1948 and is based in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. Since its founding, Land Rover has become known for its iconic design, exceptional off-road capabilities, and luxury features.
Land Rover produces a range of vehicles, including the Defender, Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Evoque. These vehicles are designed to provide exceptional performance on and off-road, with features such as all-wheel drive, advanced suspension systems, and durable construction.
In addition to their off-road capabilities, Land Rover vehicles are known for their luxury features, such as leather seats, advanced infotainment systems, and high-end audio systems. Land Rover has also been at the forefront of developing advanced safety features, including collision avoidance systems, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Over the years, Land Rover has become a popular choice for adventurers, explorers, and off-road enthusiasts, as well as for those who simply appreciate the brand's iconic design and luxury features. Land Rover has also been heavily involved in motorsports, including the Camel Trophy and the Dakar Rally, where its vehicles have proven their durability and reliability in some of the world's toughest environments.
Today, Land Rover is a subsidiary of Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by the Indian automotive company Tata Motors. The brand continues to produce innovative, high-quality vehicles that combine exceptional off-road performance with luxury and style.
