In a significant development for U.S. whiskey, the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) has officially recognized American Single Malt Whiskey as its own distinct category. This decision follows nearly a decade of hard work by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC), industry advocates, and countless supporters, marking a turning point for American distillers.

Effective January 19, 2025, the TTB’s new standard of identity lays out clear criteria for what qualifies as American Single Malt Whiskey. The rules specify that the category must meet the following conditions:

• Mashed, distilled, and aged exclusively in the United States
• Produced at a single U.S. distillery
• Made from 100% malted barley
• Distilled to a proof of 160 or less
• Aged in oak barrels, either charred new, uncharred new, or used, with a maximum capacity of 700 liters
• Bottled at no less than 80 proof

Steve Hawley, President of the ASMWC, expressed the significance of the ruling: “This is a monumental decision by the TTB, validating years of efforts by American distillers to establish American Single Malt as its own category. After more than five decades since a new whiskey type was added to federal regulations, this decision signals to the world that American Single Malt Whiskey has its own unique identity and deserves the same recognition and protection as other established whiskey categories in the U.S.”

The ruling follows a period of public comment and lobbying, with over 100 distillers and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) supporting the ASMWC’s efforts. By August, the TTB had received over 1,000 letters urging the agency to establish clear standards for the category.

Fuelling Global Expansion

The TTB’s recognition is expected to spur both domestic and international growth for American Single Malt. “With this definition in place, current producers will be able to expand their production, many more of the nearly 3,000 U.S. distilleries will likely add single malt to their portfolios, and American Single Malt will become a more common sight on shelves abroad,” Hawley noted.

The ASMWC is also working closely with international bodies to establish similar protections in other countries, ensuring the category’s integrity is upheld worldwide.

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A Celebratory Milestone

To celebrate this momentous occasion, the ASMWC will host events throughout the U.S., offering educational opportunities for consumers and industry professionals alike. The Commission has also introduced a certification program for bars, restaurants, and retailers, which will require them to feature dedicated American Single Malt Whiskey sections on their shelves and menus.

“We’re only scratching the surface of what this category can achieve,” Hawley said. “With these official definitions, we now have the tools to establish American Single Malt Whiskey as a globally recognized product that consumers can trust.”

To learn more about the latest developments in the space of American Single Malt Whiskey and how to leverage this milestone while also navigating the economic challenges and consumer demand, join us for an upcoming webinar hosted by Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network. The webinar dives deeper into the future of American Single Malt Whiskey, and how businesses can take advantage of this growing category. Register here to secure your spot!

This landmark moment is a victory not just for American distillers but also for whiskey enthusiasts, offering a new and exciting category for consumers to explore. 

Header image sourced from Westland Distillery.

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