Great news is on the horizon for whiskey enthusiasts! American Single Malt has officially been recognized as a distinct category, marking a significant milestone for this rapidly growing style of whiskey in the United States. Over the years, American Single Malt has garnered a loyal following, turning casual drinkers into devoted fans. However, the lack of a legal definition has led to some confusion about what exactly qualifies as American Single Malt whiskey. Fortunately, this confusion is now resolved with the TTB's recent announcement.
Effective January 19, 2025, American Single Malt will be defined under new guidelines that establish specific requirements for this whiskey category. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Production Location: The whiskey must be mashed, distilled, and aged in the United States.
2. 100% Malted Barley: It must be distilled from 100% malted barley at a single distillery, with a distillation proof of 160 (or 80% ABV) or less.
3. Barrel Specifications: Aging must occur in either new (charred or uncharred) or used barrels, with a maximum capacity of 700 liters.
4. Purity Standards: The production process cannot include neutral spirits, flavorings, or other blending materials, though caramel coloring is permitted with proper disclosure on labels. Additionally, whiskeys aged for at least two years can be labeled as "straight."
This momentous decision has been nearly a decade in the making. It all began in 2016 with the formation of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC), a coalition of craft distillers advocating for a standardized definition. In 2017, influential industry players submitted petitions to the TTB on behalf of the ASMWC, requesting clarity for this emerging category. The TTB took action in July 2022, publishing a proposed definition that closely mirrors the final ruling, although it initially lacked the "straight" designation.
While the TTB's definition aligns closely with the provisional guidelines proposed by the ASMWC, some distillers have raised concerns about specific regulations. For instance, there were calls for a rule requiring all aspects of production to occur at the same distillery, inspired by similar regulations in the UK. However, this was ultimately set aside to accommodate distilleries like Copperworks in Seattle, which utilizes contract-brewed mash. Other distillers, such as Bainbridge Organic, expressed disagreement with the requirement for 100% malted barley, while Chattanooga Whiskey suggested a more flexible mashbill that includes a minimum of 51% malted barley. Additionally, Canyon Diablo Distillery in Arizona contested the use of non-American casks, arguing that it could dilute the identity of American products.
Despite these differing opinions, the overall sentiment remains one of excitement and optimism for the future of American Single Malt whiskey. With a clear definition now in place, we can look forward to a new era of innovation and quality in this beloved category. Here's to celebrating this significant achievement and the bright future that lies ahead for American Single Malt whiskey! Cheers! 🥃
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