After years of tireless campaigning by the American Single Malt Whiskey Fee (ASMWC), the Distilled Spirits Council Of America (DISCUS), and producers throughout the U.S., the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Commerce Bureau (TTB) has lastly ratified the American Single Malt Whiskey Class. The finalization of requirements will promote and shield this burgeoning class. The ultimate rule was revealed within the Federal Register on Wednesday, Dec. 18, and the efficient date is Jan. 19, 2025.
After all, this can be a enormous landmark for all who campaigned for the requirements to be set. To search out out simply how a lot it means to those that produce and bottle single malt whiskey, I’ve collated the ideas of brand name representatives throughout the nation about what these welcome adjustments imply to them and their companies.
The American Single Malt Whiskey Commonplace
Firstly, let’s check out the brand new requirements which have been set by the TTB.
American single malt whiskey should adhere to the next requirements.
(1) fermented mash of 100% malted barley produced in the USA;
(2) distillation proof of 160 or much less, distilled on the identical distillery in the USA;
(3) saved in used, charred new, or uncharred new oak barrels, with a 700 liter most capability and solely saved in the USA;
(4) no impartial spirits permitted; and
(5) no allowable coloring, flavoring, or mixing supplies permitted, aside from caramel coloring that’s disclosed on the label.
(6) aged for at least two years
What It Means
American Single Malt Whiskey Fee President, Steve Hawley
“It has been over 52 years since a brand new kind of whiskey was added to our federal rules. We applaud the TTB for formalizing the class, which is able to sign to the world that not solely will we consider in and assist our personal distilleries, however we additionally acknowledge that American single malt whiskey is exclusive and deserves to be outlined and guarded as different American whiskey classes are.”
Alastair Brogan, Boulder Spirits Founder
“Because the founding father of Boulder Spirits, I take my hat off to the TTB. Within the context of the presidential election, they’ve been getting on with enterprise. They’ve listened to what we now have requested them and brought constructive criticism. They’ve performed an ideal service for the distilling trade, the craft distilling trade, and the patron.
“This is step one. It’s about training, it’s about embracing the class. Hopefully, in a couple of years, we’ll see some enormous progress on this space. This can be a win for distilleries, it’s a win for shoppers, and it’s a win for America.”
DISCUS President & CEO, Chris Swonger
“We need to thank the TTB for listening to the wants of U.S. distillers and dealing with the trade to supply an official commonplace for the American Single Malt Whiskey class. That is nice information for America’s distillers and spirits shoppers. Having this formal definition goes to guard the integrity of American Single Malt Whiskey and drive experimentation, creativity and innovation on this well-liked class.”
Jason Moore, Managing Director, Westland Whiskey
“Westland was based on the conviction that American Single Malt Whiskey might and will stand shoulder to shoulder with the best whiskeys on the planet,” says Jason Moore, Westland’s managing director. “For greater than a decade we now have been on the forefront of this new class diligently working to ascertain it on the worldwide stage.”
Justin Aden, Head Blender at Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey
“Twenty years in the past, Stranahan’s had the imaginative and prescient to focus solely on American Single Malt, perfecting one recipe and one recipe alone since 2004. Stranahan’s is made with 100% malted barley, Rocky Mountain spring water and time in an American White Oak barrel, distilled and aged totally one mile excessive right here in Denver, CO.
“20 years after Stranahan’s offered its first bottle of American Single Malt whiskey, we proceed to hold the torch for the class. It’s why we couldn’t be extra proud to see American Single Malt change into an official class all its personal. We have fun with everybody who has bottled their ardour and stayed the course, and with all of our Stranafans, with out whom we wouldn’t be right here at the moment.”
Virginia Distillery Firm CEO & ASMWC Treasurer, Gareth H. Moore
“Individuals have been distilling whisky for hundreds of years, and I’m so thrilled to see that the TTB has lastly introduced American Single Malt as an official and guarded class of American Whisky. As one of many co-founding members of the ASMWC, this monumental second is essential to me. The American Single Malt class will additional broaden the view of the American whisky shopper and gas innovation and premiumization throughout home merchandise.”
Jared Himstedt, Vice President of the ASMWC and Head Distiller at Balcones
“The institution of a authorized definition for American Single Malt whiskey brings readability not solely to shoppers, but additionally to producers like us. It safeguards the integrity of what we’ve labored so diligently to create, whereas inviting new alternatives for experimentation and innovation to propel the class ahead.”
Thomas Mooney, CEO, Westward Whiskey
“All of us at Westward Whiskey are thrilled that TTB has formally acknowledged American Single Malt as a singular and distinctive whiskey class. Crafting world-class American Single Malt calls for distinctive time, funding, and experience. This new commonplace of identification will shield the integrity of the class, and empower shoppers to discover the thrilling way forward for American whiskey.”
Lander Otegui, Senior Vice President of Advertising, Proximo Spirits
“Because the class chief in American Single Malt Whiskey, and considered one of its unique pioneers, Stranahan’s applauds the TTB’s designation of American Single Malt whiskey as an official class. Stranahan’s has spent the previous 20 years defining and innovating American Single Malt whiskey, and at the moment stands proudly because the quantity one-selling, most awarded model in its class.
“Having a category-leading model in our portfolio speaks to Proximo Spirits’ imaginative and prescient for creating, disrupting, and rising classes. Immediately marks a milestone, each domestically and internationally. It places American Single Malt and Stranahan’s on a worldwide stage like by no means earlier than. As an official whiskey class – legally outlined and guarded by the US authorities – American Single Malt has earned its place alongside bourbon, rye and different classes that at the moment take pleasure in worldwide recognition. This can be a generational occasion, the final such designation having been revamped 50 years in the past.”
Adam Polonski, Co-founder, Misplaced Lantern
“We at Misplaced Lantern, as passionate advocates and impartial bottlers of American whiskey, are thrilled to witness the historic ratification of American Single Malt Whiskey as an official type of whiskey acknowledged by the U.S. federal authorities. We’ve got lengthy thought that American Single Malt is without doubt one of the most enjoyable and distinctive kinds of whiskey in your entire world, and this long-sought recognition will dramatically enhance the class’s visibility with whiskey lovers all world wide. We particularly applaud the onerous work of the American Single Malt Whiskey Fee and our many American Single Malt distillery companions for his or her tireless efforts to succeed in this milestone.
This monumental recognition not solely honors the wealthy heritage and uniquely modern character of American distilleries, but additionally heralds a brand new period of innovation and excellence in whiskey-making. And for our half, we look ahead to persevering with to assist whiskey lovers uncover the best examples of American Single Malt from all throughout the USA.
We encourage all whiskey lovers to select up a bottle of American Single Malt and to boost a glass with us to welcome this type of whiskey to the American whiskey pantheon.”
Jason Parker, Co-Proprietor and President, Copperworks Distilling Co.
“This recognition validates the craftsmanship and innovation behind American Single Malt Whiskey. We’ve at all times believed within the potential of this class, and now we will actually elevate a glass to our dedication to high quality and authenticity.”
Jeff Kanof, Copperworks Distilling Co. Co-Proprietor, and Vice President
“This can be a pivotal day for all American distillers,” mentioned Copperworks Distilling Co. Co-Proprietor and Vice President Jeff Kanof. “It’s a testomony to the onerous work and collaboration of numerous folks in our trade. We’re excited to maneuver ahead with a class that celebrates our wealthy heritage whereas paving the best way for the way forward for American spirits.”
