What is American single malt whiskey?

Answered by Matthew Yawn

American single is a unique and exciting category of whiskey that is gaining popularity in the United States. Similar to its Scottish counterpart, American single malt is made using 100 percent malted barley and is produced at a single distillery. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Firstly, while single malt must be distilled on a pot still, there are no such restrictions for American single malt. This allows distillers in the United States to use a variety of distillation methods, including pot stills, column stills, or a combination of both. This flexibility in distillation techniques can result in a wide range of flavors and styles within the American single malt category.

Another difference is the aging requirement. In Scotland, single malt whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks. However, there is no specific aging requirement for American single malt. This means that American distillers have the freedom to release their whiskey at various ages, allowing for experimentation and innovation in the aging process.

American single malt whiskey also showcases the diversity of terroir in the United States. Just like with , the climate, soil, and other environmental factors can have a significant impact on the flavor profile of the whiskey. For example, a single malt whiskey produced in the Pacific Northwest may have different characteristics compared to one produced in the Appalachian region.

Furthermore, American distillers often embrace a spirit of innovation and experimentation in their production methods. They are not bound by traditional regulations like their Scottish counterparts, which allows them to push boundaries and create unique expressions of American single malt whiskey. This can include different types of barley, various types of casks for aging, and even the use of different types of wood for maturation.

In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to taste a few American single malt whiskeys and have been impressed by their quality and distinctiveness. Each one had its own unique flavor profile, ranging from rich and malty to fruity and spicy. It was fascinating to explore the nuances and complexities of these whiskeys and to see how they compared to traditional Scottish single malts.

American single malt whiskey is an exciting and evolving category that showcases the creativity and innovation of American distillers. With its own set of rules and regulations, it offers a unique and diverse range of flavors and styles that are worth exploring for whiskey enthusiasts. Whether you are a fan of traditional Scotch single malt or looking to try something new, American single malt whiskey is definitely worth a taste.