Leading the American Single Malt Category

Enacted in 2025, American Single Malt is an official whiskey category. According to the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, the whiskey must be:

• Distilled from 100% malted barley mash
• Mashed, distilled, and aged in the United States
• Distilled at a single distillery
• Proof at distillation must be no more than 160 (80% ABV)
• Bottled at 80 proof or more
• Aged and stored in small (700 liters or less) oak barrels

The earliest expressions of ASM were released in the mid 1990s by St. George Spirits in California and Clear Creek in Oregon. Though many American distillers have been making whiskey since the 1790s, barley cultivation struggled until the mid 1800s. The craft distilling movement of recent years led to the formation of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, who lobbied to establish an official category for ASM, which was proposed in 2016.

The whiskey must follow the above definition, but beyond that, there can be significant differences in style and flavor based on the final blend, the amount of toast (char) on the barrel, and often the barrel program itself. Many distilleries use a mix of new and used barrels, some previously used for sherry, cognac, bourbon, or wine, to add new layers of complexity.

American single malt uses 100% malted barley, is not restricted to new barrels, and has no minimum aging requirements. Bourbon requires a minimum of 51% corn in the mash and a minimum age of two years in new American oak barrels.

American Single Malt may have similarities to single malt scotch, but both reflect regional ingredients. The water, barrel programs, and different strains of barley contribute to the spirit’s uniqueness.

Flavor profiles can be compared to bourbon with sweet caramel and vanilla notes. However, since distillers have a lot of variables to play with, the range of styles is quite vast. Some are smoky, others are on the sweeter side, but all are unique in their own way.

Whether you enjoy your whiskey neat, with a few drops of spring water, or over ice is entirely up to you. We suggest trying any whiskey neat first before adding anything.

Adding ice is a preferential thing – but if you prefer ice, we like large cubes as they don’t melt as quickly. You can also use whiskey stones to get the chill without diluting the spirit.

Stranahan’s Whiskey has been consistently recognized by some of the most prestigious international whiskey competitions and is America’s most-awarded Single Malt.

American Single Malt whiskey is 100% made in the USA, but there are no specific geographical limitations beyond that.

Rye and bourbon use different types of grain in the mash compared to American Single Malt. Regulations state that American Single Malt must be distilled from 100% malted barley, while bourbon can use a mix of grains with a minimum of 51% corn. To be labeled rye whiskey, the mash must be at least 51% rye. As long as they contain the 51% minimum, the rest of the mash can be a blend of grains or 100%. The type of grains used, level of char, size, and age of the barrels are vital factors that affect the flavors and aromas of the spirit.

American Single Malt is an excellent base for a cocktail as it adds depth and complexity to any recipe. The brand of whiskey, its age, and its flavor profile will come through in the cocktail, which is why we recommend classic whiskey cocktail recipes that are created to highlight its characteristics.

If you’re in the Denver area, come by the distillery. We’d be happy to show you around! If you happen to be in Aspen, be sure to check out Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge for alpine-inspired bites paired with rare whiskey pours. Those outside of Colorado can visit our online shop and order a few bottles for delivery. Want to shop in-person? Check out where you can find Stranahan’s Whiskey at local retailers near you with our store locator.

The Stranahan’s Single Malt Society is the ultimate whiskey club membership. From members-only events to access to our rarest American Single Malts, complimentary tastings, member’s discounts, and first shot at new releases, it’s VIP all the way. Apply today!