Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by St. George Spirits. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
In Scotland, Single malt whisky must be made from 100% malted barley, aged in wooden casks for at least three years, and the product of one distillery. The United States, however, doesn’t address what makes a single malt in the federal standards of identity for distilled spirits. St. George Spirits, considered “the first small American distillery since Prohibition,” strives to stick closely the authenticity of the United Kingdom’s single malt recipe.
St. George Spirits Single Malt Whiskey is released annually, with each lot drawing on strong expressions from the distillery’s whiskey library and growing collection of barrels. They call it a “liquid timeline of the distillery’s commitment to American single malt.” Lot 1 was released in 2000, and the evolution of the Single Malt Whiskey line has grown in popularity in the whiskey community.
Head Distiller and Blender Dave Smith selected and blended 26 barrels for this St. George Spirits Single Malt Whiskey, Lot 21. In a prepared statement, Smith says, “If you know our single malt whiskey, then each Lot should be akin to visiting an old friend who has a few new stories to share with you. Each single malt whiskey barrel in our inventory is individually considered for its own merits and blending potential for this year’s Lot.” While I haven’t had the pleasure of tasting expressions from earlier lots, so cannot compare, I do appreciate the whiskey for its enjoyable single malt taste.
“American single malt” has become popular in the years since St. George Spirits took on the challenge. In response, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) has begun to move towards creating a standard of identity for American Single Malt whiskeys. The definition is still being built, but the American Single Malt Commission has proposed regulations that closely mirror the Scotch whisky regulations.
No matter where the regulatory guidelines fall, St. George Spirits continue to dominate the American single malt category with their yearly release, and this Lot 21 is a delicious expression that will likely impress fans of the company as well as explorers.
Tasting Notes: St. George Spirits Single Malt Whiskey, Lot 21
Vital Stats: Mash bill: 100% barley, includes various roast levels of two-row barley sourced from Wisconsin (pale malt, crystal malt, chocolate malt, black patent malt) and German Bamberg malt (unroasted barley smoked over beech and alder wood). 26 casks from St. George whiskey library. Blend of single barrels aged 4.5-10 years. ABV 43% (86 Proof). SRP $100.
Appearance: Soft gold with thin legs.
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Nose: A farm-like scent, mulch and hay, along with the sweetness of nectarine and a nuttiness.
Palate: There’s a skunkiness at the front of the palate. Not an unpleasant taste, but it did make me stop and consider how I felt about the taste. It’s got a hoppy flavor, reminiscent of walking into a brewery. I also got notes of lychee and smoky hazelnut.
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