American Single Malt
A US craft-era whisky category — 100% malted barley from one US distillery; formal federal standards adopted 2024.
American single malt is a US whisky category that emerged in the 21st-century craft distilling movement and was formally codified by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in December 2024 under 27 CFR 5.143. The federal standard requires: produced in the United States; made from a mash of 100% malted barley; distilled at one distillery; distilled at no more than 160 proof (80% ABV); matured in oak containers of capacity no greater than 700 litres; bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV). The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, founded in 2016 by Westland, Balcones, Stranahan's, and Virginia Distillery Company, drove the regulatory effort. The category does not require new charred oak — unlike bourbon — allowing ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, or used cooperage common to Scotch traditions.
Quick facts
- Type
- Style
- Style
- american-single-malt
- Mash bill
- 100% malted barley
- Origin
- United States
TTB Final Rule, December 2024
After eight years of petitioning by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, the TTB issued a final rule in December 2024 codifying 'American single malt whisky' as a labelling category under 27 CFR 5.143. The standard mirrors Scotch single malt in core requirements (single distillery, 100% malted barley, pot or column still permitted) but does not impose Scotch-style new-oak or three-year minimums.
Sources & further reading (1)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-15
Frequently asked questions
How does American single malt differ from Scotch single malt?
Both require 100% malted barley from a single distillery. American single malt does not require maturation in new charred oak (bourbon's defining feature) nor a three-year minimum age, allowing more flexibility. Scotch single malt requires Scottish production, three years' minimum aging, and casks no larger than 700 litres.