It was an thrilling begin to the 12 months for American whiskey. For the primary time in 52 years, the class gained a brand new official model: American single malt. On 18 December 2024, the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Commerce Bureau accepted the official classification, efficient from 15 January 2025.
Now, something known as American single malt should adhere to sure manufacturing strategies. These embody: being created from 100% malted barley; distilled at a single distillery; mashed, distilled and matured within the US; matured in casks not exceeding 700L; distilled to not more than 80% abv; and bottled at 40% abv. Apparently, the foundations eschew minimal age statements, in addition to any specs on nonetheless or cask sort – that means extra flavour alternatives.
Tyler Pederson, Westland Distillery
This isn’t to say that American single malt wasn’t already being made – certainly, an increasing number of producers throughout the US have been displaying whiskey lovers how numerous single malts may be, relying on the place they’re produced. ‘Various climates and high-quality uncooked supplies give distillers throughout the nation the liberty to supply a compelling new perspective to the world of whiskey,’ explains Westland Distillery grasp distiller Tyler Pederson. ‘The elements replicate the place we come from, as does our course of… we lean into our distinctive local weather to boost the whiskey all through maturation.’
The choice was a coup for producers, who’ve been striving for the stamp of approval. The American Single Malt Whiskey Fee began its endeavours in 2016, with the likes of Seattle’s Westland, in addition to Texas’ Balcones Distilling, Illinois’ FEW Spirits and Oregon’s Westward Distillery, flying the collective flag for this ever-growing class. ‘We have been all wanting to showcase our skills,’ explains Pederson, ‘and to face shoulder to shoulder with the good distilleries on the world stage.’
The brand new classification marks a newfound widespread floor amongst makers, in addition to an opportunity to vary the notion of shoppers, who usually misread American single malt as being akin to single malt types from different international locations. The place it does align is in how it may be drunk – neat, on ice or in cocktails. Principally, any manner you want.
One to strive
Westland American Oak Single Malt
USA
This single malt is created from Washington State barley and aged in new American oak casks within the cool humidity of Westland’s seaside residence. Count on a creamy texture with notes of milk chocolate, earthy espresso and caramelised banana. Alcohol 46%
