American Single Malt Whiskey Earns an Official Designation!

[Link] As of December 18, 2024, the TTB has (at long last) announced the approval of a new category of American spirit: American Single Malt Whiskey. The rules governing American Single Malt Whiskey-as defined by section 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the Standards of Identity of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the United States-are scheduled to go into effect as of January 19, 2025.

Under these rules, American Single Malt Whiskey must be produced using 100% malted barley. The malting process (and all other subsequent production) must occur in the United States; however, there is no requirement that the grain itself be grown in the US.
American Single Malt Whiskey is not allowed to contain flavoring or blending materials. Caramel coloring is allowed, but it must be disclosed on the label (no other coloring agents are permitted).

• Other requirements for American Single Malt Whiskey include the following:
  • It must be distilled to no more than 160 proof
  • Distillation must occur at a single distillery located in the United States
  • It must be stored in the United States in oak barrels-composed of used oak, charred new oak, or uncharred new oak-with a maximum capacity of 700 liters
  • It must be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV

It should be noted that in alignment with other defined styles of American Whiskey, there is no aging requirement beyond the stipulation that American Single Malt Whiskey be stored in oak. In addition, unlike most other specific types of American whiskey (including Bourbon and Rye Whiskey), the producer has the choice of what type of oak (used, charred new, or uncharred new) may comprise the barrels.
American Single Malt Whiskey that has been aged for at least two years in oak barrels (of the types defined above) may be labeled with the term straight.