American single-malt whiskey has taken on a new identity, setting itself apart from traditional Scotch and Irish varieties. U.S. distillers are now crafting their own distinctive single malts, using local ingredients and innovative methods. This new approach results in unique flavors and styles that are distinctly American, offering a fresh perspective on this classic spirit.
In this blog, we will discuss American single malt whiskeys, tracing their surge to prominence and highlighting some of the finest bottles you should seriously consider adding to your collection. Whether a seasoned whiskey aficionado or interested new blood, let this guide help you along your journey through this exciting landscape of American single malts on your way to discovering new favourites to enjoy.
Understanding Single Malt Whiskey
Before getting into the American variations, let's make sure we're all on the same page of exactly what makes a whiskey a "single malt." Single malt whiskey is whiskey made at a single distillery from a mash of 100% malted barley. The "single" refers to the fact that it all comes from one distillery, while the "malt" refers to the fact that malted barley is the only grain used.
Historically, single malt whisky belonged to Scotland, where indeed it had been produced for many centuries. Although the first written record of whiskey distillation in Scotland dates from 1494, it is believed that the process began even much earlier still. With time, Scottish distillers developed regional styles that have come to define Scotch single malt whisky.
What distinguishes single malt whiskey includes:
- Grain Bill: Unlike bourbon that must be at least 51 percent corn or rye whiskey that has to be at least 51 percent rye, the single malt is made just from malted barley.
- Distillation: In most cases, single malts are pot-still distilled, which makes them retain the flavor better than column stills normally used for other whiskey styles.
- Ageing: Though the ageing requirements again vary by country, in general, single malts are aged for a longer period than most whiskey types.
- Flavor Profile: The flavor profile of single malts is usually more complex and subtle and often carries the features of the barley and the ageing process more dominantly than other whiskeys.
The Rise of American Single Malt Whiskey
While Scotland may be the spiritual homeland of single malt whiskey, American distillers have made some excellent inroads into the category over the past few decades. From sea to shining sea, the rise of craft distilling has brought a renaissance in American whiskey production, with many distillers now looking beyond traditional bourbon and rye to further new frontiers.
Indeed, it wasn't until the 1990s that the American single malt movement really got under way, thanks to pioneering distilleries like California's St. George Spirits and Oregon-based Clear Creek Distillery. These very early adopters did much to lay the groundwork for a category that would later come into its own, proving American producers really can make single malts every bit as good and complex as their Scottish brethren.
The craft distilling boom of the 2000s and 2010s has seen many a distillery across the nation start to develop single malts. In that playing field, prominent players include:
- Westland Distillery (Seattle, Washington)
- Balcones Distilling (Waco, Texas)
- Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey (Denver, Colorado)
- Virginia Distillery Co. (Lovingston, Virginia)
- Westward Whiskey (Portland, Oregon)
These are but a few of the forefront in defining what American single malt can be. Unlike Scotch, held to very specific production parameters, American single malt distillers have had room to experiment and innovate. A wide array of expressions has developed, differing from region to region because of vagaries in climate, water sources, and local ingredients.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Single Malt Whiskeys
The quality of single malt whiskeys mainly evidences a development of factors:
- Ingredients: The type of barley and the source of water alone can both alter the character of the final product.
- Distillation Process: The type of still, and how that still is operated in the hands of the distiller, will have a profound effect on the character of the whiskey.
- Maturation: How long the spirit is matured, in what kind of casks, and the conditions of the warehouse, will result in huge flavor development.
- Terroir: Gives a very distinctive local climate and environment to the whiskey.
- Craftsmanship: It refers to the skill and care of the distiller in all stages of the process.
The best single malts will exhibit a balance of these flavours, with complexity and depth that evolves as you sip.
Top American Single Malt Whiskeys for Your Collection
In choosing the best American single malt whiskeys, we took into consideration a few important factors: quality and ingredient sourcing, a good distillation process, ageing techniques, flavour complexity, and overall craftsmanship. We also accounted for innovation in the field, since many American distillers do their best by pushing the boundaries of what single malt can be. To top it off, we regarded critical acclaim and consumer reception. Here are our top recommendations:
Balcones Distilling — Peated Texas Single Malt Whisky
The Balcones Distilling Company of Waco, Texas, has been at the forefront of the American Single Malt movement. Their Peated Texas Single Malt Whisky is a marriage of a traditional Scottish peated malt with the particular terroir and climatic conditions of Texas.
Tasting Notes: Sweet smoke, honey, and grilled stone fruits are grippingly seductive in the nose. Robust splicing of flavours—smoked meats, dark chocolate, burnt sugar—delivers the goods on the palate with balancing notes of vanilla and dried fruits. Long, warming finish with lingering campfire notes, leather, and subtlest maritime saltiness.
Why It's Recommended: Balcones Peated Texas Single Malt Whisky is a bold and very innovative peated whisky. Balcones has reimagined Scotland's traditions with Texas terroir to come up with a whisky that makes it incomparable within American single malts. Its identity, rich flavour profile, and subtlety make it one to have within any peat lovers' and adventurous whiskey enthusiasts' collections.
St. George Artisan Distillers: 'Baller' American Single Malt Whiskey
St. George Spirits is based in Alameda, California, and is one of the forerunners of the American craft distilling movement. Baller Single Malt Whiskey is their single expression, inspired by Japanese whisky but unmistakably Californian in character.
Tasting Notes: Candied orange peel, jasmine tea, and a hint of coconut entice on the nose. On the palate, you will notice a good play of flavours: toasted almonds, milk chocolate, and umeboshi with just a hint of smokiness. The finish is smooth and long with sandalwood, vanilla, and a touch of sea salt.
Why It's Recommended: St. George's 'Baller' Single Malt Whiskey is an interesting marriage between American craft distillation and Japanese whisky influence. The production process, whereby it's aged in ex-bourbon barrels and umeshu barrels, is indeed very interesting to produce a whiskey both familiar yet exhilaratingly different. It is here, in the innovativeness of the approach married to St. George's reputation for quality, that 'Baller' becomes a fascinating addition to any whiskey collection.
Deerhammer Distilling Co – Hickory Smoked Whiskey
While from Colorado, this distillery offers up an altogether different bent on the American single malt by way of their hickory-smoked expression. Here, the smoking is done on hickory wood, which imbues a smoky, big and boldly barbecued character to the whiskey. Buy Here
How to Properly Store and Enjoy Your Single Malt Whiskey
Proper storage will help keep your American single malt whiskeys in good shape and full of flavour. Here's how to do it:
- Store bottles upright to prevent the high alcohol levels from corroding the cork.
- The storage space should be cool, dark, away from direct sunlight, and away from any source of heat.
- Keep the place at a constant temperature, ideally between 15-20°C.
- After opening, try to use it up within a couple of years when it is best.
Here are some serving suggestions to enhance the enjoyment of your single malt:
- Use a tulip-shaped glass, like a Glencairn glass, that allows the concentration of aromas.
- Serve at room temperature or with a small amount of cool water to open up the flavours.
- Nose the whiskey a while before tasting by allowing the aromas to develop.
- Take small sips and let the whiskey spread all around in your mouth to appreciate its complexity.
American single malt whiskeys are most interesting, truly a new frontier in spirits. Their atypical flavour profiles and new approaches are bringing a new point of view on what single malt may be. For those who are longtime aficionados that have been around whiskey for some time, or newcomers to fine spirits, this world of American single malts shall be rewarding to experience. (Click Here)
Come try some of the great whiskeys featured in this blog, available from The Epicurean Trader (Click Here). Every bottle speaks to us of American artisanal expertise and innovation that is only dying to be discovered and savoured. Cheers!
For more information on whiskey and spirits, check out these related articles:
- Blended Scotch vs Single Malt Scotch
- Scotch Single Malt 101: A Beginner's Guide to This Iconic Whisky
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between single malt whiskey and other types of whiskey?
A: Single malt whiskey uses 100% malted barley at one distillery, while other whiskeys may use a mixture of grains and can be blended from multiple distilleries.
Q: How do I drink single malt whiskey?
A: Single malts are best taken neat or with a small addition of cool water, as that will open up the flavours. The glass needs to be tulip-shaped in order to allow full development of the aroma.
Q: How long does single malt whiskey last once opened?
A: An opened bottle of single malt whiskey can last for 1-2 years if stored properly. However, the flavour may start to deteriorate after this time.
Q: Are American single malts comparable to Scotch?
A: While American single malts share some similarities with Scotch, they are quite varied because of differences in climate and production methods. Many are equal in quality and complexity to their Scottish brethren.
Q: Can I collect American single malt whiskeys as an investment?
A: Although some American single malts can become collectible, the market is yet to fully develop. It generally means that whiskeys you collect should be ones you like drinking and not purely for investment purposes.
