The latest addition to America’s portfolio of whiskies is single malt. While this category has become increasingly popular with distillers both large and small, there is no official federal category, yet, for producing this type of whiskey. (Currently, there are a few general regulations for distillers making “malt whisky” or “rye malt whisky.”)
But please don’t confuse American single malt with single malt Scotch—for one U.S. distillers are required to use new charred oak barrels, while most Scotch is aged in used barrels. And American single malt also doesn’t have to be made from exclusively malted barley, but can include other grains.
What are the Characteristics of Single Malt?
Terroir, or geographical factors, are believed to shape the flavor profiles of American Single Malt Whiskeys.
What Region is Single Malt From?
Can be made anywhere in the United States
What Grains are in Single Malt?
Although there is no standard of identity, most American Single Malts have a mash bill of at least 51% malted grain (barley, corn or wheat).
There are reportedly now more than 150 distilleries in the United States making single malt whiskey.
