THE KNOWLEDGE

American single malt

Lee “Connas” Connor delves into the recent regulation of American single malt, and investigates how it has affected producers and consumers alike

PICTURED: Westland warehouse

A Commission Under Single Malt

It’s a tough life, for anyone working in any kind of regulatory body. By its very nature, you only tend to hear about it via a narrative of pain and frustration. But maybe, just maybe, it’s not all that bad…

You see, some people would argue that since the first dedicated Scotch Whisky Act in 1988 and new Scotch Whisky Regulations in 2009, Scotch has experienced its most successful period of growth ever, and this is far from being coincidental. A central body promoting the key functions of advocacy, representation, protection, communication, and sustainability of the category has no doubt played a role in the ebullience we have enjoyed in recent years. So much so that our cousins across the pond have embraced the idea with a view to setting their own foundations for a flourishing single malt category.

Origins and Education

The origins of what became the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission can be traced back to 2010. A small, resolute team of budding single malt whiskey makers in Seattle founded a distillery called Westland. Naturally, once their whiskey was ready, they had to sell it. Now SMWS America director, Steve Hawley, recalls some of the hurdles they encountered.

He says: “It was very difficult for us to try and explain to people what we were pitching to them when the category of American single malt whiskey didn’t even formally exist, retailers didn’t know what to do with us. We realised pretty quickly that it was going to be harder to do what we wanted to do without some kind of formalised categorisation. So, we called up everyone else we knew who was making single malt, and inevitably nine of us showed up to a meeting we had organised in Chicago in 2016.”

ABOVE: Westland cask sampling

Regulators. Mount Up!

In a less focused world, it would be easy to assume that evening in Chicago would have been a long laborious fight to the death on detail and distinctions, with the victor wielding ultimate power over all that they perceive. In reality, however, it was a relatively straightforward affair.

Steve explains: “We all sat down to the same task, formalising a definition of American single malt so we could petition TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau). We set aside a whole evening, but it only took us about 45 minutes. It was pretty obvious what it needed to be, of course there were a few things that needed to be discussed and some departures from existing Scotch regulations and so on, but largely there was a consensus.”

And so, The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission came into being. A voluntary organisation, initially funded by Westland Distillery until Steve was able to set it up as a non-profit. With the original nine members forming the board, and himself being handed presidency “by default!” he quips. He remains to this day, at the helm of a body that boasts more than 100 members.

It took the better part of nine years of pushing, lobbying, and petitioning TTB to enter the regulation into the registry. The final ruling took place in December 2024 and formally went into effect in January 2025.

ABOVE: Copperworks' Jeff Kanof

Participate and Prosper

Most things in whiskey take time and the effects of regulation are no exception. Though early signs are positive, vice president and co-owner of Copperworks Distilling Co. Jeff Kanof, comments on the detail and impact of the ruling from a producer’s perspective: “So far, we haven’t encountered any unexpected outcomes. The definition is clear, aligned with our practices, and provides the right guardrails without stifling creativity. Of course, not everyone will agree with every part of the rule, that’s always expected, but we think it strikes the right balance between integrity and innovation.

“We are seeing some change with customers, particularly among whiskey enthusiasts. Additionally, having a formally approved standard makes it easier to talk about what American single malt whiskey is and just as importantly, what it isn’t. We used to spend a significant amount of time discussing the process and what we hoped would be the definition.

“Now we can skip that part and spend more time talking about how our whiskey fits into the category. It’s also created a sense of discovery for curious drinkers. Now that there’s a real definition, more consumers are actively seeking out American single malts and asking good questions. The regulation gives us a better platform to educate and convert those customers.”

Moreover, Jeff thinks that the regulations have created a solid platform for the future: “We’re absolutely in support of the regulation as can be seen by our American Single Malt Whiskey Commission involvement. It provides a much-needed foundation to protect the category and build awareness in a meaningful way. That said, I think there was a time when distilleries (including us to some extent) imagined that finalising the rule would cause the category to explode overnight.

In truth, we’re only at the beginning. The next decade will be about steadily building consumer knowledge and appreciation. Whiskey is, and always will be, a long game.”

Impact Statement

So, I hear you ask in curious and inquisitive tones ‘what does this mean in practice?’

American single malt whiskey must abide by these requirements:

  • Made from 100 per cent malted barley.
  • Distilled entirely at one distillery.
  • Mashed, distilled and matured in the USA.
  • Matured in casks with a maximum capacity of 700 litres.
  • Distilled to a maximum of 80% abv.
  • Filled in to cask at no more than 62.5% abv.
  • Bottled at a minimum strength of 40% abv.
  • And if caramel colouring is used, it must be disclosed on the label.

As you can see, these rules have many similarities with regulations found in the rest of the world. But significantly, they allow room for creativity and the opportunity to conceive something truly reflective of American single malt.

The Society

For us here at the SMWS, our bottles which previously stated the words ‘single malt American whiskey’ will now read ‘American single malt whiskey’. And, of course, it must comply with all descriptors set out in the new regulations. And as ever, we are looking forward to working with our partners in the US to bring our members an altogether unique offering!

More detailed information on the American Single Malt Regulations can be found via this link.

https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-29938.pdf

PICTURED: Copperworks casks resting