The Ratification of American Single Malt Whisky: A Historic Step for Craft Distilling
For the first time in 52 years, American whisky drinkers have a category just for them: American Single Malt Whisky. In a landmark moment for the American whisky industry, the US government’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) officially ratified the category of "American Single Malt Whiskey" in 2024. This decision, years in the making, is a significant milestone for craft distillers, whisky enthusiasts, and the broader spirits world.
With this new classification, American Single Malt Whisky is formally defined recognizing the uniqueness of the spirit while also protecting the category like other whisky categories in the US. Most importantly, it ensures that whisky drinkers can be confident moving forward that when they reach for a glass of American Single Malt Whisky, it will have to meet certain requirements to be classified as that. The establishment of American Single Malt Whisky as its own category and definition of it was long debated and finally achieved after years of lobbying, collaboration, and advocacy, in particular by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (Bellemara is the only NJ distillery that is a member).
But what does this ratification mean, and why is it such a game-changer for the industry?
Understanding Single Malt Whisky
Before diving into the specifics of the ratification, it’s important to understand what qualifies as a "Single Malt Whisky." Traditionally, this term has been associated with Scotch whisky, where it refers to whisky distilled at a single distillery from 100% malted barley and aged in oak casks. The American version, however, has unique characteristics due to the distilling traditions and regulations in the U.S.
With the TTB's ratification of the American Single Malt Whisky category, the definition includes several key elements:
Malted Barley: As the name suggests, American Single Malt Whisky must be made from 100% malted barley. This ensures the distinctive, malty flavor profile that has made single malt whiskies globally renowned. This requirement is the exact same as Scotch, which must also be made from 100% malted barley.
Single Distillery: Like its Scottish counterpart, the whisky must be distilled at a single distillery, emphasizing regional influences and distilling practices unique to that producer.
Aged in Oak Barrels: The spirit must be aged in oak casks, just like other types of whisky. The new ratification allows American distillers to use charred new barrels, uncharred new barrels, or used barrels to age their whisky under this new definition as opposed to Scotch which is traditionally aged in used oak barrels, most often bourbon barrels from the US.
Additives: The only additive allowed is caramel coloring as long as it is disclosed on the label. No other coloring, flavors or blending of materials is allowed. Here at Bellemara, we use none of these types of additives in our Single Malt Whisky.
Minimum Proof: The whisky must be distilled to a proof of 160 or less and bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV), ensuring consistency and quality for the final product.
Made in America: The whisky must be mashed, distilled and aged in the US and must be distilled entirely at one US distillery.
The Path to Ratification
The journey to the ratification of American Single Malt Whisky has been long and full of hurdles. For years, American craft distillers producing single malt whisky had to contend with a confusing lack of official recognition. While American bourbon and rye had clear definitions and established categories, single malt whisky was in a sort of limbo—unofficial but clearly a growing and vibrant segment of the craft spirits scene.
The movement toward creating a distinct category for American Single Malt began in earnest around 2016 when the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASM) was formed. The commission, made up of several prominent distilleries and industry advocates, worked to clarify and standardize the category's criteria. They spent years consulting with the TTB, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders to craft a definition that would serve the industry without being overly restrictive.
After years of collaboration, adjustments, and compromise, the TTB’s ruling marks the beginning of a new chapter for American Single Malt.
What Does This Mean for Distilleries?
The ratification of the American Single Malt Whisky category opens up new opportunities for craft distilleries across the country. Distilleries can now proudly label their products as "American Single Malt Whisky," signaling their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. This designation helps consumers identify these products more easily and ensures that they are getting an authentic American-made product.
Distilleries now are able to produce whisky using the exact standards required to qualify as American Single Malt. This provides more consistency in production methods, and as more distilleries adopt this designation, it strengthens the category as a whole, benefiting both producers and consumers alike.
Conclusion
The ratification of American Single Malt Whiskey by the TTB represents a pivotal moment for American craft distillers and the whisky industry at large. With its newfound official status, American Single Malt is set to compete on the global stage and provide whisky lovers with a diverse array of exceptional spirits for years to come.
For those who have followed the journey from the early days of American Single Malt, this ratification is a moment of celebration—a recognition that the American whisky industry continues to evolve, push boundaries, and redefine what it means to be a world-class distiller.
Cheers to the future of American Single Malt!
Additional links:
American Single Malt Whiskey Commission
Whisky Advocate: At Long Last, American Single Malt Is Now an Official Category