American Single Malt gets its due

On December 18, 2024, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) added American Single Malt to its official categories of regulated spirits. Whiskey drinkers probably know that American distillers have been distilling, bottling, and selling single malt whiskies for some time now, so what difference does TTB categorization make? To the makers of American Single Malt, it makes all the difference.

Although single malt whiskies from other countries are defined and regulated, and other types of whiskey are defined and regulated in America, there had been no government definition or regulation of the term "American Single Malt" in the USA.  This effectively meant that anyone could put "American Single Malt Whiskey" on their bottles regardless of what was inside.  Whereas seeing "bourbon whiskey" on a label gave the consumer information about the contents (51% corn, aged in new oak, etc.) which in turn assures the consumer of a baseline quality, American Single Malt had no such assurances. Producers hope that the new regulations will put American Single Malt on equal footing with other American whiskies in the minds of potential consumers.

So what are the new criteria for American Single Malt? In order to be labeled American Single Malt, the whiskey must be

• mashed, distilled, an aged in the USA
• distilled entirely at one distillery
• distilled from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley
• distilled to a proof of 160 or less
• bottled at a proof no less than 80
• stored in oak barrels with a maximum capacity of 700 liters

Some notable differences from bourbon regulations include the allowance of used and uncharred new barrels, allowance of caramel coloring (though this must be disclosed), and lack of a maximum barrel entry proof.

So American Single Malt is officially a category! Here are a few of my favorites:

St. George Lot 24 - we are fortunate to have one of the oldest and best American Single Malt producers right across the Bay in Alameda, CA.  First distilled in 1998, St. George Single Malt has been perfected over the 25 years since its first release.  Also check out Lost Lantern's excellent, unique take on St. George, Mountain Meadow.

Portland, Oregon's Westward Whiskey distills their own house made American Ale to delicious results. I love to go for the full Oregon terroir experience offered by their Pinot Noir Cask Single Malt which is finished in wine barrels sourced from the WIllamatte Valley.

Seattle's Westland Whiskey uses a blend of five different types of malted barley and a combination of new oak and ex-bourbon barrel maturation to create a complex and tasty flagship Single Malt bottling.

Those that enjoy tropically-aged malts from Taiwan or India may enjoy the bold, rich flavors of Balcones Lineage which is distilled from a combination of Scottish and Texan barley and aged in the hot, rugged Texas climate.