Whiskeywhiskey
American Single Malt
The American Single Malt movement has been building since the early 2010s, driven by craft distillers inspired by Scotch single malt but utilizing American terroir. Federal recognition is pending as of 2022. Most producers are under fifteen years old.
Flavor Profile
Highly variable by producer and cask choice. Westland: fruit, sherry, and unique Pacific Northwest character from Garry oak (sandalwood, incense). Balcones: bold, complex, rapidly matured from Texas heat. Stranahan's: influenced by Rocky Mountain climate. McCarthy's: Islay-influenced from peated Scottish barley.
Key Producers
Seattle — category leader
Westland
various cask types) (premium$65-120Waco
Balcones '1' Texas Single Malt
locally malted barley) (premium$65-100Denver
Stranahan's
Rocky Mountain barley) (premium$55-80Portland
McCarthy's
peated Scottish barley) (premium$65-85Proposed federal standard (submitted to TTB 2022, still progressing): 100% malted barley; produced at one distillery in the United States; distilled to no more than 160 proof; aged in oak casks (any type — no requirement for new or charred); bottled at minimum 80 proof.