American single malt whisky is officially a thing, says TTB

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau amended the distilled spirits standards of identity regulations in December to include “American single malt whisky” as a type of whisky that is produced in the United States and meets certain other criteria. USA! USA! USA!

TTB says the new standard of identity is in response to petitions and comments submitted by several distillers and the American Single Malt Whisky Commission, who have long sought this final rule to help the style gain legitimacy.

“This is a landmark ruling from the TTB that further cements our standing on the global stage in whiskey,” stated Steve Hawley, president of the American Single Malt Whisky Commission. “We applaud TTB for hearing the call from distillers, purveyors and fans of American single malt, and formalizing a definition that supports and protects our producers both here and abroad.”

No word on when TTB will recognize Real American Beer in its own class.

American single malt whisky criteria

The adopted criteria for American single malt whisky specify that the product be a type of whisky that is …

• mashed, distilled, and aged in the United States;
• is distilled entirely at one U.S. distillery;
• is distilled to a proof of 160 or less;
• is distilled from a fermented mash of 100 percent malted barley;
• is stored in oak barrels (used, uncharred new, or charred new) with a maximum capacity of 700 liters;
• and is bottled at not less than 80° proof.

In addition, the criteria allow for the use of caramel coloring as long as its use is disclosed on the product label. The regulation will also allow the use of the term “Straight” for an American single malt whisky that is aged for at least two years.

You can view the final rule on the Federal Register’s Public Inspection page. This final rule is effective on January 19, 2025.

“We have also established a 5-year transition period so that a label with the designation ‘“’American single malt whisky’ or ‘straight American single malt whisky’ may be used on distilled spirits bottled before January 19, 2030, if the distilled spirits conform to the applicable standards set forth in 27 CFR part 5 in effect prior to January 19, 2025,” the TTB notes.

The TTB also recently updated standards of fill for distilled spirits