American Single Malt (ASM) isn’t just growing; it’s changing the entire frontier of American whiskey as we know it. And as the most awarded American Single Malt in the category*, no one understands this better than us here at Stranahan’s American single malt whiskey.
But, how exactly did our Colorado-born distillery help pave the way to this craft whiskey evolution? Our very own Head Mixologist and whiskey expert, Devin Ershow, is here to walk us through the history of the category, American Single Malt trends and where Stranahan’s is headed next.
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
To understand where we’re headed, let’s take a look back on how far we’ve come.
While the process of distilling American Single Malt isn’t necessarily new, it is the newest official spirit category since bourbon in 1964. This piece of ASM legislation is a big deal for our community; it’s a representation of storied tradition and innovative craft culture coming together as one.
Like Scotch, ASM follows a similar foundation, made with some overlapping ingredients and techniques. However, through experimentation and the use of locally influenced ingredients, American distillers were able to craft something uniquely ownable to the States. Thus, creating what we know as American single malt whiskey.
“You’ve got people making ASM all across the country, putting their own spin on it,” Ershow says. “As the category continues to grow, I think you’re gonna see even more specific regional and brand-style versions of the category emerging, which is really exciting.”
Stranahan’s innovation represents this ethos perfectly. All it took was some age-old distilling techniques, a pioneering spirit, and a few ingredients: 100% malted barley, yeast, Rocky Mountain spring water, and time, to craft something legendary. So much so that it has helped revolutionize the category, picking up some accolades along the way.
There’s so much to learn about this groundbreaking category, and it’s only continuing to grow. That’s why we put together a list of some of the most common FAQs about American Single Malts for you to brush up on your knowledge.
From Scotch Loyalists to American Single Malt Enthusiasts
From distilleries to sippers, whiskey lovers can’t seem to get enough of this spirit, and we can’t blame them.
The key to ASM’s rise is actually partially credited to single malt whiskeys like Scotch. Traditional Scotch drinkers are already accustomed to the more subtle and nuanced malt flavor profile the spirit offers. This taste is what initially can draw them into ASM, which offers comforting familiarity with something new and exciting.
“ASM gives the traditional Scotch drinker an opportunity to try something new without maybe going too far out of their comfort zone,” Ershow says, “American producers also are able to play around with all different kinds of maturation styles because they operate in all different kinds of climates.”
Stranahan’s very own spirit benefits from Colorado’s elevated terrain, offering high-altitude whiskey aging that isn’t replicable anywhere else. Whether it’s the water, elevation, or mashbill, we’re finding unique flavors that can infuse their own homegrown stories and characteristics.
American Whiskey 2026: American Single Malt Trends
Now that the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) recognizes American single malt whiskey as an official category, the craft whiskey evolution is in full swing. This new official standardization of the category further establishes the ASM industry growth potential, enticing even more Scotch drinkers to swap out their “usual” spirit of choice.
“I think a lot of it still remains to be seen. But even in this early genesis of the category, I feel like we’re already seeing some kind of pioneering flavor profiles, and a lot of it is sort of happening regionally,” Ershow says.
As a trailblazing brand for the category and one of the legacy ASM producers in the country, this is a space that feels familiar yet exciting for our Colorado-based whiskey distillery.
“I think that (Stranahan’s) was really ahead of the curve, putting a malt whiskey in a new oak barrel, creating this sort of hybridized malt whiskey that has sort of a new American spin to it,” Ershow says.
Take our cask finishes for example. We took this classic maturation technique and created something entirely new. Our annual Diamond Peak Releases take what you know about cask finishing and flip it on its head. What first began as a simple four-year bottle has now become a limited-edition bottle that whiskey drinkers eagerly await.
“Diamond Peak (is now) this really cool annual rotating whiskey where we get to feature a really fun finish on Stranahan’s every year. It gives us an opportunity to play around with some different flavors, textures, and experiences, and in some cases, collaborate,” says Ershow.
From our rich, Local Brewer’s Cask made with bold coffee stouts to our Caribbean Rum Cask that brings tropical vibes with a Colorado spin, our Diamond Peak blends are something we take great pride in.
Even our Founders Release, which celebrates 21 years of business and the standardization of ASM as a category, is gaining traction as a potential new favorite limited-release expression. Finished in both blonde ale beer and bourbon barrels, this one of our finest expressions yet.
The Future of American single malt whiskey
So what’s next for Stranahan’s American Single Malt? Based on the recent standardization, experts think that experimentation and creativity will continue to define the category.
By establishing a quality foundation from the beginning, Stranahan’s can craft refined, unique expressions that add an extra layer of flavor and depth in every bottle we produce. As the most awarded American Single Malt*, we take pride in every batch we distill. Thankfully, we’re not the only ones who appreciate a good glass of whiskey.
“We have a couple of whiskeys in the running for whiskey of the year from this San Francisco world spirits competition,” Ershow says, “Both Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 12-Year and last year’s Snowflake Red Cloud Peak are both in the running for whiskey of the year.”
With our whiskey, there’s something for everyone to love. No matter where the category goes next, our unwavering commitment to quality craft and innovation is always at the heart of every single bottle we release.
Discover the Taste of Stranahan’s Award-Winning Whiskey
Join us in toasting to this pioneering spirit by visiting Stranahan’s Distillery in Denver to experience it for yourself. For our whiskey friends who are ready to pour a glass at home, you can shop our award-winning whiskey anytime and get it shipped right to your door.
Waiting for your whiskey delivery? In the meantime, join the American Single Malt Society for VIP access to all things ASM and Stranahan’s, including limited-edition releases, industry news, and more.
*Claims based on 2020 – 2025 award results; third-party audit conducted by Avid Marketing Group.
