Imagine you are in a nice little bar, looking through the full rack of bottles on one of their walls. You want to find something different, something unique but still familiar. That's how your eyes landed on an interesting bottle labelled "American Single Malt". Curious, you turn to the bartender and ask about it:. She pours one, and as you sip, it is full of unfamiliar tastes. It's strong, rich, and silky but perfectly balanced: whiskey warmth combined with something new.
Discovering A New World of Whiskey
A Discovery of American Single Malt Whiskey It's one that is more and more popular, not only across the U.S. but all over the world. In this blog, I delve into what makes single malt American special, how it breaks free from its Scottish and Irish cousins, and how you should give it a shot.
What is American Single Malt?
American single malt whiskey is all malted barley, distilled at a single distillery, and aged in oak barrels. Relatively new to the United States but by no means new to the world, this sector already creates waves. The category was even to the point of prompting regulations from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) on specific rules to uphold quality and authenticity.
American single malt adheres to traditional ways but has some new spins. From barley selection to oak type, distillers can be quite creative and resulting in different flavor profiles.
Some of the most important distilleries driving the American single malt movement include Seattle's Westland Distillery, Texas Balcones Distilling, and Colorado's Stranahan's. Each of these producers brings a unique flavor to the glass, making the category of American single malt diverse and very exciting.
Comparison with Scotch Whisky
The most famous kind of single malt is perhaps scotch whisky. There exists traditional production, and its manufacturing is strictly regulated. Scotch usually comes in categories such as single malt, blended malt, and blended whisky. The basic difference between Scotch and American single malt lies in the production and ingredients.
Ingredients and Grains. Scotch whisky is made of malted barley the same way American single malt, traditionally although specific grains used differ based on the type of Scotch. American single malt cannot be produced from anything but 100% malted barley. This offers the distillers freedom to explore in other areas, like yeast or smoking process.
Key Ingredients - Aging and Casks. Whisky in Scotland is usually aged in second-hand oak casks that could be former bourbons, sherries, or wine. American single malt might be aged similarly, but often the distillers use new American oak barrels, a fact which gives the whiskey a more pronounced spicier flavor.
Climate also has a lot to say in the matter. Whisky matures pretty slowly under a cool, damp Scottish climate to produce a mellow flavor. America's range of climates, from dry heat in Texas to rainy Pacific Northwest, means that its distillers experience varying effects when aging.
Flavor Profiles. Scotch tends to be smoky, and peaty; that's particularly true of Islay single malts. American single malt will do those things, but it goes just so much deeper and profound with flavors ranging from vanilla and caramel to fruitier and spicier notes.
A fine example of what American distillers are doing with single malt today is Westland American Oak Whiskey.
Westland Distillery - 'Garryana: 2019 Edition' American Single Malt (750ML)
Comparison to Irish Whiskey
Where Irish whiskey does differ from Scotch comes across as lighter, smoother, and sometimes a product of triple distillation. And even there, the drinker will find common ground with both Scotch and American single malt, which differ in a few significant ways.
Distillation Methods. Most Irish whiskey is distilled three times, which makes it smooth and accessible to the taste. American single malt, like Scotch, tends to be double-distilled for a bolder flavor.
Pot stills are common in Ireland, while American distillers experiment with different equipment, including copper pot still more modern apparatuses.
Flavor Profiles. With honey and vanilla, smooth, creamy finish, American single malts can share the qualities but generally have a robust, complex palate. You could expect toasted nuts, dark chocolate, or a whisper of smoke depending on the approach from the distiller.
For a great introduction to the smoothness of Irish whiskey, try Redbreast 21 Year.
Midleton Distillery - 'Redbreast' 21yr Irish Whisky (750ML)
Regional Differences of American Single Malts
The regional differences of American single malt are quite an interesting point. Regional influence on the flavor profile creates a tapestry of flavors, as each region stamps it differently.
Pacific Northwest. The distillers there enjoy a climate that is just like parts of Scotland. Whiskies coming from here are mostly smooth with herbal and fruity notes. For example, the Westland Distillery produces whiskies that have dark chocolate, orange peel and roasted nut hints.
Texas. Because of the intensity of heat in Texas, aging whiskey ages faster because of concentrated aromas and flavors. The characteristic smoky spicy and sweet flavors Balcones is known for are summed up by the characteristics of the Texas climate.
Colorado. One reason for the quality of whiskies produced in Colorado is that the state has a high-altitude, cool climate. This results in well-balanced, smooth whiskies, as is typical of Stranahan's, which is one of the few American single malts, hunting flavors of vanilla, caramel, and spices.
Just as wine from a different region imparts new nuances to the same varietal, so too do regional characteristics bring unique aspects to single malts. This is part of the reason American single malts are so fascinating .
Craft Distilleries on the Rise
One can probably say that the American single malts have experienced a boom of craft distillery over the years. It is just the small-batch size that lets distillers play freely and innovate. The types of barley used, unique cask finishes, and even coincidental flavors like adding coffee and chocolate could be found incorporated in these American malts.
One of the frontrunners in the new world of American single malt, Stranahan's is both traditional and innovative, bringing a silky, smooth profile with complexity and bold character that is not at all light. Learn more about The Epicurean Trader.
Tasting Guide: How to Enjoy American Single Malt
Appearance. Notice the color. Is it deep amber or some other kind of lighter golden hue? This could be an indicator of the cask and its age.
Aroma. Take a moment to breathe in the aroma. American single malts can carry notes ranging from vanilla to fresh herbs. The nose is just as important as the taste.
Sip. Allow the whiskey to sit on your tongue for a moment before swallowing. Notice the flavors and the finish. A good American single malt will have layers of complexity.
To Choose or Not To Choose: American Whiskies vs. Scotch vs. Irish
Perhaps most important in choosing your whiskey is personal preference. Do you enjoy the smoke and earthy characteristics of Scotch or prefer the smoother, lighter character of Irish? Maybe a middle-of-the-road whiskey - bold, complex, rich, yet accessible. That's American single malt.
Recommendations: For a balanced American single malt, look to try Balcones Texas Single Malt - the taste of hot Texas in every drop.
Balcones Distilling - 'Texas Single Malt' Whisky (750ML)
The American Single Malt Experience..
And American single malt is way more than simply a new category of whiskey-it's the reflection of innovation and free thinking. Techniques borrowed from Scotch and Irish traditions apart, an American single malt differs due to regional diversity and the craft-forward spirit. So if you are someone who loves whiskey but wants to explore something new, then it is time to take up the chance of American single malt.
Head to The Epicurean Trader to find the perfect bottle for your next whiskey escapade.
Read more about whiskey and other favourite craft spirits here at The Epicurean Trader!
Check out some relevant blogs on American Single Malt:
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Single Malt Scotch vs. American Single Malt: What to Know
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Single Malt Scotch vs. American Single Malt
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Everything to Know About American Single Malt, a Whiskey Coming Into Its Own
It is the coming of age of American single malt whiskey: applying tradition to innovation. To this, production points of differentiation more than any other, being as defined and controlled as those over in Scotch or Irish single malts. The result? Virtually all flavor profiles directly relate to regional character in the United States-from the herbaceous smoothness of the Pacific Northwest to Texas's bold, spicy nuance-each bottle a distinct story.
Being in line with Scotch and Irish whiskies, American single malt stands out due to its own specific productions and methods, complete 100% malted barley used, and a variety of aging processes. It is one of the best times to navigate through this exciting category today, given the growth in craft distilleries. Both seasoned whiskey connoisseurs and newcomers are sure to find something unique and interesting about American single malt.
Ready to give it a shot? Check out The Epicurean Trader for a few new favorite American single malts.
