In a groundbreaking decision for the spirits industry, the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) has officially recognized American Single Malt Whiskey as a distinct category. This long-awaited ruling, the result of years of advocacy by the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) and its supporters, marks a significant milestone for U.S. distillers and whiskey lovers alike.

The new definition, which takes effect on January 19, 2025, establishes clear criteria for what qualifies as American Single Malt Whiskey. The key standards include:

• Mashed, distilled, and aged entirely in the United States
• Produced at a single U.S. distillery
• Made from 100% malted barley
• Distilled to a proof of 160 or less
• Aged in oak barrels (charred new, uncharred new, or used) with a maximum capacity of 700 liters
• Bottled at no less than 80 proof

“This decision is a monumental step for American Single Malt,” said Steve Hawley, President of the ASMWC. “It’s the first time in over 50 years that a new whiskey category has been recognized by the TTB. This ruling sends a powerful message that American Single Malt Whiskey has its own identity and deserves to be protected just like other major whiskey categories in the U.S.”

Image Credits: ASMWC

Global Recognition

While the TTB’s ruling has established clear guidelines for producers, the journey to elevate American Single Malt on the global stage is far from over. “American Single Malt is the next big thing in whiskey,” said Jared Himstedt, Vice President of the ASMWC. “It has been one of the fastest-growing whiskey categories globally for years now, and with this new definition, we expect it to expand even more. However, there’s still much work to be done to establish American Single Malt as a global powerhouse.”

In addition to its new legal identity, the ruling is expected to address one of the biggest challenges facing American Single Malt producers: inconsistent shelf placement. “One of our biggest challenges has been educating whiskey consumers on what American Single Malt is, especially without a legal definition to rely on,” Murphy Quint—Master Distiller at Cedar Ridge—mentioned to The Spirits Business. “This new framework gives us a foundation for establishing a clear, consistent identity for the category.”

For retailers, this new definition means American Single Malt will finally get its own dedicated space on store shelves. “We’ve had little control over where our American Single Malt bottles end up – sometimes they’re placed with Scotches, other times with Bourbons, or even in the dreaded ‘other’ category,” Quint added. “It will be a nice change to finally see American Single Malt represented with its own dedicated signage in retail spaces.”

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Celebrating A Milestone

The ASMWC is celebrating this milestone with a series of events across the U.S., aimed at educating both consumers and industry professionals about the new category. In addition, the Commission has launched a certification program for bars, restaurants, and retailers, requiring them to feature American Single Malt Whiskey prominently on their shelves and menus.

“We are just beginning to tap into the potential of this category,” said Hawley. “With this official definition, we now have the tools to build trust, expand recognition, and position American Single Malt Whiskey for success both in the U.S. and abroad.”

To learn more about the latest developments in the space of American Single Malt Whiskey and how to leverage this milestone while also navigating the economic challenges and consumer demand, join us for an upcoming webinar hosted by Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network. The webinar dives deeper into the future of American Single Malt Whiskey, and how businesses can take advantage of this growing category. Register here to secure your spot!

The TTB’s decision marks a pivotal moment not only for American distillers but also for whiskey enthusiasts, offering a new category to explore that highlights the innovation and craftsmanship of U.S. whiskey makers. 

Header image sourced from Cedar Ridge Distillery.

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