American Single Malt 101 — The New American Whiskey Category Explained | The Liquor Connoisseur®
- connoisseurofliquo
- May 23
- 2 min read
American Single Malt whiskey officially became its own recognized category in 2024 — and The Liquor Connoisseur® has been covering its rise. Here's everything you need to know about the category that's changing how the world thinks about American whiskey.
What Is American Single Malt Whiskey?
American Single Malt (ASM) whiskey is made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery in the United States. The TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) officially recognized it as a distinct category in 2024 — completing a years-long lobbying effort by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission.
How Is It Different From Scotch Single Malt?
Both require 100% malted barley from a single distillery. The differences: Scotch must be made in Scotland and aged at least 3 years in oak casks. American Single Malt has no geographic restriction, no minimum age requirement (though most producers age significantly), and can be aged in any oak vessel — including used barrels, which Scotch allows but most traditional distilleries don't use for primary maturation.
How Is It Different From Bourbon?
Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn; ASM uses 100% malted barley. Bourbon must age in new charred oak; ASM can use any oak vessel. The flavor profile is fundamentally different — ASM tends to be lighter, more cereally complex, and can express terroir from the barley source in ways bourbon typically doesn't.
What Does American Single Malt Taste Like?
The category is still young and diverse. Generally expect: cereal and malt character, lighter body than bourbon, often fruity or floral, with oak influence varying by aging vessel. Distilleries experiment heavily — some use ex-bourbon barrels, others use wine or sherry casks, some go new oak. Rivalist American Single Malt (reviewed by TLC) demonstrates what the category can achieve.
Key American Single Malt Distilleries to Know
Westland (Seattle), Stranahan's (Colorado), Balcones (Texas), Westward (Oregon), Copperworks (Seattle), Lost Spirits (Las Vegas), and emerging producers across the country. Crystal and Roger reviewed Rivalist and called the American Single Malt category 'the most exciting new chapter in American whiskey.'
Why It Matters for American Whiskey
ASM gives American distillers a vehicle to compete directly with Scotch on its own terms — single-distillery malted barley whisky — while having the freedom to experiment with American grain sources, aging vessels, and production methods. It's American whiskey's most internationally credible new category.
🥃 Want to Experience These Spirits in Person?
Crystal and Roger lead private spirits tasting experiences. Corporate tastings from $1,500. In-home tastings from $500. Virtual tastings nationwide.
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