In contrast to bourbon or Scotch whisky, American single malt whiskey has lengthy lacked a protected, authorized definition—till now. Thanks largely to the efforts of greater than 100 member-producers who created the American Single Malt Whiskey Fee in 2016, the Bureau of Commerce, Tobacco, and Firearms (TTB) started processing the appliance in July of this yr, with official recognition possible coming in 2023. The proposed tips embody that the spirit be created from 100% malted barley, mashed and matured solely within the U.S., distilled totally at one distillery and bottled at at least 80 proof. However distilleries throughout the nation are already producing wonderful expressions—listed below are six bottles to get you acquainted with the class.
FEW Single Malt Whisky
Underneath the helm of founder and distiller Paul Hletko, FEW Spirits in Evanston, Illinois, added a single malt to their whiskey lineup in 2013, launched a couple of times a yr. Borrowing a apply from conventional peat-smoked Scotch whiskies, FEW incorporates a portion of malt smoked over cherrywood. The result’s an earthy, leathery perfume with a malty sweetness and flavors of darkish chocolate and caramel paying homage to a darkish rum. $74.95, bountyhunterwine.com
Kings County Single Malt Whiskey
The New York whiskey-focused distillery Kings County sources flippantly peated malted barley from Scotland and unpeated malt from England, open ferments the grain, after which distills in Scottish pot stills earlier than bottling their single malt at 94 proof. The completed whiskey has a refined, smoky sweetness with flavors of hay, honey and dried citrus. $47.99, caskers.com
Stranahan’s Authentic Single Malt Whiskey
Produced in Denver for greater than a decade, Stranahan’s unique single malt whiskey earns its Rocky Mountain moniker using barley and spring water each sourced from the encompassing area. A candy and spicy spirit, the whiskey opens with the odor of banana bread and stewed apples, with candy buttery flavors balanced by notes of peppercorn and tobacco. $58.99, reservebar.com
St. George Single Malt Whiskey
Single malt whiskey was the spirit that impressed Lance Winters, St. George’s grasp distiller, to modify careers from brewing to distilling. However his brewer’s background nonetheless influences the mash invoice for St. George’s Single Malt, which makes use of two-row barley at quite a lot of roast ranges. The distillery started laying down barrels in 1997, and the whiskey drawn from the barrels ranged in age from 4 to 19 years. It has a surprisingly delicate mouthfeel with a mild fruity sweetness and natural/floral notes. $109.99, drizly.com
Westland American Oak Single Malt Whiskey
A relative newcomer to the market, with their first whiskey launched in 2014, Seattle-based Westland Distillery takes a selected curiosity in provenance when making a New World single malt. Using a five-malt mix as their basis and fermenting with Belgian brewer’s yeast, Westland has launched a peated model and an expression aged in sherry casks. However their flagship single malt, aged in American oak, is further aromatic with citrus and blackberry jam, with boost entrance and a pleasingly dry end. $69.99, reservebar.com
Westward American Single Malt Whiskey
Although Portland, Oregon’s Home Spirits Distillery initially gained consideration for his or her Krogstad Aquavit and Aviation Gin, by 2015 they have been the biggest impartial distiller of American single malt whiskey. Westward is made with two-row barley grown within the Pacific Northwest, fermented with American ale yeast and matured in American oak barrels. The result’s a clear, balanced whiskey with flavors of stone fruit and spice, properly complemented by aromas of leather-based and caramel. $70.49, totalwine.com
