09/13/2023
What is American Single Malt Whiskey
Stranahan’s was proud to be one of the first producers of American Single Malt Whiskey back in 2004. We have been dedicated to only producing and innovating American Single Malt ever since.
American Single Malt (ASM) Whiskey is having a moment—it’s the fastest-growing whiskey category in the United States. It’s not often that an entirely new spirits category is debuted, however, ASM is exactly that: a premium whiskey variety that represents a homegrown alternative to Scotch and a trade-up from traditional American bourbons and ryes.
The American Single Malt renaissance means exploring your options for liquor is now a bit more exciting. Here’s what you need to know about these truly unique and versatile whiskeys, and how premium distiller Stranahan’s is helping usher in a new era of American whiskey.
Welcome to the ASM Club
The first rule of ASM Club is: It’s fine to talk about American Single Malt Whiskey. It’s actually encouraged—we’re excited to explore with both newcomers and enthusiasts the wide range of flavor profiles and expressions emerging from the single malt category. These conversations are driving appreciation and enjoyment.
The second rule of ASM Club is: Don’t ever call it Scotch, bourbon, or rye. We’ve worked hard to spotlight American Single Malt Whiskey within the distinctive category it deserves, so drinkers know they’re getting a quality experience.
So, what actually makes American Single Malt Whiskey unique and worthy of its own category? The guidelines proposed by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) include:
- 100% malted barley mash
- Distilled & aged at a single distillery in the U.S.
- Distillation proof 160 or less
- Stored in oak barrels, max size 700 liters
Those guidelines may sound strict. However, they allow for innovation in several vital areas, including fermentation, yeast varieties, malt varieties, and barrel types (new, used, stout, bourbon, sherry casks, and more). The category is not as regimented or tradition-bound as Scotch, bourbon, or rye, and there’s ample opportunity for individual distillers to devise unique expressions of the ASM style.
Is your interest piqued? Luckily for you, there are resources available to anyone who wants to dive headfirst into the category of American Single Malts. Virginia Distillery Co. offers a free, comprehensive guide to the world of American Single Malt Whiskey. Check out Courage & Conviction: ASM Academy for the most comprehensive educational course on ASM in the world.
Now that we’re in the club together, it’s time to introduce you to Stranahan’s, America’s most awarded and best-rated whiskey in many categories.
Stranahan’s Is the #1 American Single Malt
That’s not an extravagant claim—check our awards page! We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished with our “Rocky Mountain Whiskey” and the secret to our success is staying true to the inspiration and ideals that got us here.
We keep things simple. Our American Single Malt Whiskey is hand-produced from barley to bottle, using only four ingredients: 100% malted barley, yeast, Rocky Mountain water, and time in the barrel. We currently feature five different releases:
- Stranahan’s Original, the small batch American Single Malt that started it all, aged four years in #3 charred, new American oak barrels;
- Stranahan’s Blue Peak, double-distilled and Solera finished to accent complex rich, creamy & lingering spicy flavors;
- Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 10 Year, our ultra-premium release that is the first 10-year-old straight American Single Malt Whiskey and one of the category’s most exciting expressions;
- Stanahan’s Sherry Cask, aged four years in virgin American white oak barrels, then transferred to Oloroso Sherry barrels from southern Spain to cask finish, it’s a remarkably rich & vibrant expression;
- Stranahan’s Diamond Peak, aged an additional two years in casks that held the prized Reserva de Familia® blended from the José Cuervo special family reserves, which highlights flavors that transcend traditional whiskey.
Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey—For People Who Enjoy a Deeper Appreciation for Fine Whiskey
This is an exciting time to move beyond the traditional whiskey experience. We’re inviting you to get in on the ground floor of a moment that’s poised to become a movement. Stranahan’s is an American original, a born-and-bred Colorado whiskey that also just happens to be the best American Single Malt Whiskey.
Stranahan’s comes from a very special passion. We believe whiskey is more than just a drink—it’s an art and a science. We may be the most-awarded American Single Malt Whiskey, however we’re still dedicated to the same small batch process we’ve used since day one.
What’s the next step? Dive in and begin exploring beyond your usual bottle of bourbon or rye. Neat or on-the-rocks are wonderful ways to enjoy a Stranahan’s sip, and you can find inspiration in our curated list of Single Malt Whiskey cocktails.
If you’re feeling really ambitious, we’d love to have you by for a visit. Our Denver distillery is open for tours and you have the opportunity to sample our award-winning American Single Malt Whiskey expressions.
We’re Stranahan’s, the pioneer and leader of American Single Malt Whiskey. It’s our pleasure to be part of a journey to find your favorite pour of fine whiskey—ready to make some history with us?
Claims based on 2020 – 2022 award results; third-party audit conducted by Avid Marketing Group.
