Authorities in the US have set down the definition of ‘American single malt’, resulting in the foundation of a new American whiskey subcategory.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau approved the classifications last week of both ‘American single malt’ and ‘straight American single malt’, which take effect from 19 January. The decision comes seven years after the bureau received petitions from Washington state-based XO Alambic, Rémy Cointreau and its Westland Distillery business (also in Washington), which Rémy acquired at the start of 2017, requesting “the establishment of a standard of identity to define the ‘American single malt whisky’ category for producers and consumers alike”.
The petitioners worked with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) on submitting their requests.
Going forward, the definition of American single malt comprises:
- A fermented mash of 100% malted barley produced in the US
- A distillation proof of 160 or less (80% ABV), produced at the same distillery in the US
- Storage in used, charred new, or uncharred new oak barrels of 700 litres maximum, held only in the US, and
- No neutral spirit, colouring, flavouring or blending materials, except for caramel colouring if disclosed on the label.
Straight American single malt has all of the above stipulations as well as a minimum aging period of two years.
“This is a landmark ruling … that further cements our standing on the global stage in whiskey,” said ASMWC president Steve Hawley. “We applaud TTB for … formalising a definition that supports and protects our producers both here and abroad.
“It’s a momentous day for American single malt whiskey, and this is just the beginning of a bright future for the category.”
Trade association the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States also applauded the news, flagging that the definition “is going to protect the integrity of American single malt whiskey and drive experimentation, creativity and innovation in this popular category”.
Brown-Forman added a single malt extension to its Jack Daniel’s flagship brand in September last year. The iteration, which debuted in the global travel retail channel, features a finish in ex-oloroso sherry casks and retails at US$99.99 per 1-litre bottle.
