Standard of Identity For American Single Malt Whiskey Is Established By The TTB

American Single Malt Whiskey Is Now Official

To take effect January 19, 2025

Flashback to 2017

Beginning in 2017, the TTB (Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau) received 3 petitions filed in conjunction with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission requesting the establishment of a Standard of Identity for American Single Malt Whiskey. Since that time, they have received and considered many comments on the matter, and have now reached a final decision, which is published here. So, after 7 long years, the definition of American Single Malt Whiskey is now official and will be added to the Code of Federal Regulations in part 5!

Standards of Identity for the Two Types of American Single Malt Whiskey

American Single Malt Whiskey

• Fermented mash of 100 percent malted barley, produced in the United States
• Distillation proof of 160 or less, distilled at the same distillery in the United States
• Stored in a used, charred new or uncharred new oak barrels; 700 liter maximum capacity; stored only in the United States
• No added neutral spirits are permitted
• The only additive allowed is caramel coloring, and it must be disclosed on the label

Straight American Single Malt Whiskey

• Fermented mash of 100 percent malted barley, produced in the United States
• Distillation proof of 160 or less, distilled at the same distillery in the United States
• Stored in a used, charred new or uncharred new oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years; 700 liter maximum capacity; stored only in the United States
• No added neutral spirits are permitted
• The only additive allowed is caramel coloring, and it must be disclosed on the label

Transition Period

There will be a five year transition period to allow for label changes, to use up existing labels, and/or change processes to conform to the new Standards. Approved existing labels may be used on products which do not conform to the new Standards for up to five years following the effective date of the rule.

Caramel Coloring

I find it somewhat odd that caramel coloring is allowed in “Straight American Single Malt”. In all the other types of American Straight Whiskeys (other than Blended) no coloring, flavoring or blending materials are permitted. Therefore, I wouldn’t expect it to be allowed. However, I assume this was done since caramel coloring is allowed in Single Malt Whisk(e)y made elsewhere in the world. In addition, since used and uncharred barrels may be used, without added coloring, some of these whiskeys could be quite pale.

Yay!

I don’t know about you, but I am a big fan of American Single Malt, and am very happy that it is now has a standard definition. This will allow consumers to understand what they are purchasing, and will help the category gain respect around the world. What do you think? Cheers!🥃

If you would like to learn about some of the American Single Malt whiskeys, then check out our Wolves American Single Malt Whiskey, New Riff Single Malt and Balcones Cataleja Single Malt Reviews! Or, maybe you would like to invest in ASM? Then check out the ASM Capital Whiskey Fund Press Release! But, that’s not all! Stranahan’s, who have been making American Single Malts for 20 years, have come out with a limited release honoring the historic moment when American Single Malt became an official whiskey category. Learn all about it in our Stranahan’s Founder’s Release Single Malt Whiskey Review!

Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!