Overview
- What Is the New Regulation About?
- Who Is Behind This Effort?
- What Are the New Rules?
- Why This Regulation Matters
- Looking Ahead
What Is the New Regulation About?
The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) has long advocated for clear, federally recognized standards for American Single Malt Whiskey. Their efforts culminated in a groundbreaking ruling by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which establishes the official definition and production rules for this whiskey category. This regulation not only solidifies the category’s identity but also ensures quality and authenticity, offering clarity to producers and consumers alike.
Who Is Behind This Effort?
The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC)
The ASMWC is a coalition of distillers and industry stakeholders dedicated to promoting and protecting American Single Malt Whiskey. Founded with the mission to establish a national standard for this category, the commission plays a vital role in shaping the future of American whiskey. By uniting producers across the country, the ASMWC ensures the category’s integrity and growth.
These nine distilleries are the founding members of the ASMWC (in alphabetical order):
- Balcones Distilling, Waco, TX
- Copperworks Distilling, Seattle, WA
- FEW Spirits, Evanston, IL
- Headframe Spirits, Butte, MT
- Santa Fe Spirits, Santa Fe, NM
- Triple Eight Distillery, Nantucket, MA
- Virginia Distillery Co., Lovingston, VA
- Westland Distillery, Seattle, WA
- Westward Distillery, Portland, OR
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
The TTB is the federal agency responsible for regulating and taxing alcohol production in the United States. Their mission includes ensuring the integrity of alcohol labeling and standards. In December 2024, the TTB finalized its rule establishing the official American Single Malt Whiskey category, which will come into effect on January 19, 2025. This move reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting innovation while maintaining rigorous standards.
What Are the New Rules?
To qualify as American Single Malt Whiskey under the new regulation, producers must adhere to the following requirements:
- Mash Composition: Must be made from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley.
- Distillation: Must be distilled at a proof of 160 (80% ABV) or less at a single distillery within the United States.
- Storage: Whiskey must be stored in oak barrels—these can be used, charred new, or uncharred new oak—with a maximum capacity of 700 liters. Storage must occur exclusively within the United States.
- Neutral Spirits: The addition of neutral spirits is not permitted.
- Additives: No coloring, flavoring, or blending materials are allowed, except for caramel coloring, which must be disclosed on the label.
- Bottling: Must be bottled at a proof of 80 (40% ABV) or more.
The regulation also introduces a specific standard for Straight American Single Malt Whiskey, which must be aged for a minimum of two years.
Why This Regulation Matters
This ruling ensures that American Single Malt Whiskey maintains a distinctive identity within the global whiskey market. By aligning production standards with consumer expectations, it creates a transparent framework that builds trust and supports the category’s expansion. Producers can now market their products with clarity, while whiskey enthusiasts can enjoy a category defined by consistency and craftsmanship.
Looking Ahead
The new rules will officially take effect on January 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone for American whiskey. This regulation is not just a victory for the ASMWC but also for the entire whiskey community, signaling a bright future for American Single Malt Whiskey.
Stay tuned for more updates as this category evolves, and be sure to explore some of the exceptional American Single Malt Whiskeys that meet these new standards.
