It’s been a long time coming for whiskey enthusiasts and producers alike, but the TTB—the US government agency that regulates alcohol—has officially recognized the American single malt whiskey category. After a years-long fight for a formalized definition including petitions and comments submitted by distillers, the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission and others, the TTB finalized the standards of identity for the category with a formal announcement.
American Single Malt Whiskey Standards of Identity
These standards, published by the TTB on Wednesday December 18, 2024, will go into effect on January 19, 2025. American single malt whiskey must be:
-Mashed, distilled and aged in the United States
-Distilled entirely at one US distillery
-Distilled to a proof of 160 (80% ABV) or less
-Made from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley
-Stored in oak barrels (used, uncharred new, or charred new) with a maximum capacity of 700 liters
-Bottled at not less than 80 proof (40% ABV)
Notably, caramel coloring is allowed as long as it is disclosed on the label. However, other colorings, flavors and blending materials are not permitted. Additionally, neutral spirits are prohibited.
Furthermore, the term “straight” may be used with American single malt whiskey as long as it’s aged for two or more years. But there are no other aging requirements for this new category. This falls in line with the regulations for other American whiskey styles like bourbon and rye which—unlike Scottish, Irish, and Canadian whiskies—don’t have to be aged for a designated amount of time.
While this is a new official category, there are dozens of American single malt whiskeys producers dedicated to the style including Westland, Westward, Virginia Distillery Co., Balcones, Stranahan’s, and more. Here are a few of our favorite American single malt whiskeys to try now.
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