American Single Malt
From New York and Virginia come most of our American single malt.
American Single Malt questions
What is American single malt whiskey?
American single malt whiskey is made in the United States from 100 percent malted barley at one distillery. Under the current U.S. standard, it must be distilled and bottled in the United States, matured in oak casks no larger than 700 liters, and meet other category requirements. Styles vary widely by producer.
How does American single malt differ from Scotch?
Both American single malt and single malt Scotch use malted barley and one distillery. Scotch must be made and matured in Scotland and follows Scotch whisky regulations, while American single malt is made in the United States under its own federal standard. American producers may use varied cask types, barley treatments, and climate conditions.
What does American single malt whiskey taste like?
The category can show malt, biscuit, honey, fruit, chocolate, smoke, spice, and oak, depending on the producer. Some distillers use peated malt, wine casks, virgin oak, or regional grain, creating a broad style range. It can feel familiar to Scotch drinkers, yet its cask choices and climate often produce distinct results.
How do you choose an American single malt?
Use flavor cues rather than the category name alone. Choose unpeated, bourbon-cask styles for malt, vanilla, and fruit. Pick peated malt if you like smoke, or wine-cask maturation for darker fruit and spice. Higher proof brings more intensity. Read the cask information and decide whether you plan to sip it or mix it.