A Spotlight on American Single Malt Whiskey: Exploring the Best American Single Malts (2025)

American Single Malt Whiskey: A New Chapter in American Distilling 

In a landmark development for the American spirits industry, December 18, 2024 marked a historic moment when the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Trade Bureau (TTB) officially recognized American Single Malt Whiskey as a distinct category. This represents the first new whiskey classification added to federal regulations in over 52 years, signaling a pivotal shift in America's whiskey landscape. 

A New American Classic Is Born 

While bourbon and rye have long dominated discussions of American whiskey, a passionate movement of craft distillers has been quietly building something different over the past three decades. Beginning in Oregon in the 1990s with the country's first American Single Malt, the category has expanded to include over 250 distilleries across the United States, each bringing their unique regional character to this emerging tradition. 

After nearly ten years of dedicated advocacy by producers across the country, American Single Malt now stands alongside categories like bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey with clear definitions and protections. This official recognition comes with an effective date of January 19, 2025, establishing American Single Malt as a legitimate contender on the global whiskey stage. 

What Defines American Single Malt? 

According to the new federal standards, American Single Malt Whiskey must adhere to six specific production requirements: 

1. Made from 100% malted barley 
2. Distilled entirely at one distillery 
3. Mashed, distilled, and matured in the United States 
4. Matured in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 liters 
5. Distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume) 
6. Bottled at 80 (U.S.) proof or more (40% alcohol by volume) 

These guidelines establish the foundations of the category while allowing American distillers the freedom to innovate and express their regional distinctiveness. 

What Makes American Single Malt Unique? 

While American Single Malt shares basic DNA with its Scottish cousins, it has evolved into something distinctly American. The category is characterized by exploration and innovation, with distillers experimenting with diverse barley varieties, yeast strains, production techniques, and barrel types. 

Given the category's youth—just over 30 years since the first modern American Single Malt was barreled—enthusiasts and industry observers are eagerly anticipating how it will evolve and mature in the coming decades. Some distilleries explore native oak species for aging, creating flavor profiles impossible to replicate elsewhere. Others work with locally grown and malted barley varieties adapted to specific American microclimates. Some even experiment with regional peat sources that impart smoke characteristics distinctly different from their Scottish counterparts—lighter, more vegetal, and inviting to those who might find traditional peated whiskies overwhelming. 

5 American Single Malts Worth Exploring in 2025 

As the American Single Malt category continues to grow in recognition and popularity, many whiskey enthusiasts are eager to discover standout expressions. Here are five noteworthy American Single Malts that showcase the category's diversity and craftsmanship in 2025: 

1. Jack Daniel's American Single Malt 

A surprising entry from Tennessee's whiskey giant, this expression demonstrates how established distilleries are embracing the American Single Malt movement. The whiskey combines Jack Daniel's expertise in whiskey-making with the creative possibilities of the single malt category. 

2. New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt Whiskey 

This innovative expression utilizes five different grain types including Barleywine style barley and Scottish Peated Malted Barley, aged in six different cask types for at least 7 years. The complex profile delivers honey and spice notes that evolve into cinnamon, dried fruit, and subtle peated smoke with a rich, medium-bodied mouthfeel. 

3. Westland American Single Malt 

Seattle's Westland Distillery creates this approachable flagship whiskey using a combination of barrel types including first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. The result is an inviting spirit featuring notes of chocolate, toasted marshmallow, dark coffee, and a pleasant smokiness that finishes long and flavorful. 

4. Hillrock Estate Single Malt 

This distinctive whiskey is crafted from estate-grown malted barley smoked on-site with imported Scottish peat and aged upwards of six years in a range of cask types including ex-sherry. The influence of Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks brings forward sweet notes accented by spice and subtle smoke, making it an excellent after-dinner option. 

5. Westward American Single Malt 

Produced in Portland, Oregon from 100% malted barley, this whiskey presents a unique flavor profile combining citrus, chocolate, and herbal notes. Their pioneering approach and commitment to quality has earned them recognition as one of the definitive producers in the American Single Malt category. 

Remember that these expressions represent just a small sample of the incredible diversity available in American Single Malt whiskey. As the category continues to evolve, there's never been a better time to explore what American distillers are creating in this exciting space. 

Explore our full collection of American Single Malts here.