american single malt whiskey

When you think of American whiskey, you probably think of bourbon or rye. But a new American whiskey is emerging on the scene: American Single Malt.

American Single Malt whiskey is made the same way as other malted whiskeys, like Scotch and Irish whiskey. And it has grown in popularity over the last decade as more whiskey fanatics are seeking out new and unique offerings from independent and craft distilleries.

But what is American Single Malt whiskey? Read on to find out more.

Defining American Single Malt Whiskey

Typically, whiskey is defined by laws and regulations of the region where it is produced. These regulations cover things like minimum aging requirements and naming standards. The ratio of grains or even what kind of wood can be used for the barrels may also be included.

Here are the requirements for bourbon as an example. Bourbon must be made in the U.S., aged in new, charred, oak barrels, and be at least 51 percent corn. If these requirements are not met, then a spirit cannot be sold as bourbon.

Since American Single Malt Whiskey is a relatively new spirit, there are no laws and regulations that distillers must meet. However, groups like the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission have recommended regulations to define what an American Single Malt Whiskey is.

There are six regulations that the commission proposed to define American Single Malt. The first is that the spirit must be made from 100 percent malted barley. Also, the whiskey must be mashed, distilled, and matured in oak casks in the United States, and it must be distilled entirely at one distillery. An American Single Malt should be no more than 160 proof, once distilled, and bottled at 80 proof or less.

A whiskey that does not meet these requirements could still say American Single Malt on the label. But it may not be the best example of American Single Malt whiskey out there. Check your whiskey to make sure it meets the definition put forward by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission.

How is American Single Malt Whiskey different?

When you think of American whiskey, you probably think of bourbon and rye. Single malt whiskeys generally come from Scotland. But with the American Single Malt whiskey, this is no longer the case.

American single malt is made entirely from malted barley. So unlike bourbon or rye, no corn or rye is added to the mash before fermentation. Also, bourbon has to be matured in new oak casks. American single malt, however, can be aged in used barrels, which allows for additional, more complex flavors. So American single malt has a fruitier and nuttier, more complex taste, while bourbon and rye tend to be sweeter.

American single malt whiskey is also made in many places, while bourbon mainly comes from the American South, specifically Kentucky. Origins as diverse as Massachusetts, California, and even Iowa allow for American single malt whiskey to have a range of tastes. From stone fruits to candied, earthy, and spicy flavors, American single malt is deeply subtle and complex.

Of course, American single malt is most like other single malts, specifically Scottish ones. Scotch is made from 100 percent malted barley as well and is distilled entirely at one distillery. The distilling and maturing processes are also similar. However, where the difference is in the flavors picked up from aging. Aging can totally change the flavor of the whiskey. Single malt Scotch whisky can be aged twelve, sixteen, or even eighteen years, while American single malt whiskey is usually not aged for more than four years. This may be partly because the category is relatively new. But the climate in the United States also allows for a faster aging process.

Westland American Single Malt Whiskey

Our Recommendations

Want to try the latest thing in American whiskey? Here are some American single malt whiskeys we recommend. 

Westland American Oak Single Malt Whiskey -- Westland Distillery

Using Old World techniques, Westland Distillery in Seattle, Washington, makes its single malt whiskey beginning with un-hopped beer. It’s then fermented with brewer’s yeast to create a honey-flavored whiskey. The distillery’s whiskey is similar to Scotch from the Speyside and Islay regions of Scotland, and Irish whiskey. But its rich malted barley flavors and aromas set it apart.

For other options from this distillery, try the Sherry Wood or Peated American Single Malt Whiskeys.

Westward American Single Malt Whiskey

Westward American Single Malt Whiskey -- Westward Whiskey Distillery

Westward began by brewing artisanal American Ale from regionally sourced barley. They use that same practice to distill their American Single Malt Whiskey. Twice distilled and matured in American oak barrels, the distillery’s whiskey shows the region’s dedication to defining American single malt whiskey.

For other options from this distillery, try the Stout Cask or Pinot Noir Cask American Single Malt Whiskeys.

Del Bac Classic American Single Malt Whiskey -- Whiskey Del Bac Distillery

Del Bac Classic American Single Malt Whiskey

Based in Tucson, Arizona, this distillery offers a prime example of Southwestern American Single Malt whiskey. Whiskey Del Bac prides itself on honoring its Southwestern heritage. But it also uses traditional Scottish distilling techniques to bring out the best the land has to offer. The distillery sources its barley from regional sources, drying it over mesquite fires, and maturing it in the desert climate.

For other options from this distillery, try the Dorado or Distiller’s Cut American Single Malt whiskeys.

 

Balcones Texas Single Malt Whiskey – Balcones Distilling

Balcones Texas Single Malt Whiskey

Based in Waco, Texas, Balcones Distilling offers an American single malt that tastes bright citrus fruit and honey, as well as dried raspberries with a cedar tannic finish. This award-winning whiskey defines an identity for American single malt as independently crafted using regionally-sourced ingredients.

For other options from this distillery, try the Lineage or Rum Cask Finished American Single Malt whiskeys.

There you have it – now American whiskey is not just bourbon and rye but includes a growing list of single malt whiskey. Looking for something new in the liquor aisle? Try one of these American single malts and see all American whiskey has to offer.

Are there other American single malts you recommend? Let us know in the comments below.