American Single Malt Whiskey Officially Becomes a Recognized Whiskey Category
There’s a new officially recognized player in the world of whiskey: American Single Malt Whiskey.
As of January 19, 2025, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) officially added American Single Malt Whiskey to the U.S. standards of identity for distilled spirits, giving the fast-growing category its own legal definition.
To qualify as American Single Malt Whiskey, the spirit must:
- Be produced entirely in the United States
- Be distilled at a single U.S. distillery
- Be made from 100% malted barley
- Be aged in oak barrels
- Be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof
The regulations also allow the term “Straight American Single Malt Whiskey” for expressions aged at least two years.
While American distillers have been producing malt-based whiskey for years, the category now has an official identity that recognizes both its craftsmanship and growing popularity.
In many ways, American Single Malt Whiskey is America’s answer to Scotch single malt — combining traditional methods with uniquely American terroir, climate, and innovation.
Popular examples of the category include:
With official recognition now in place, American Single Malt Whiskey is set to become one of the most exciting categories in the whiskey world.