Yellowstone Export Volumes Increased As American Single Malt Category Is Officially Recognized

Additional bottles of Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey (54% ABV) are making their way around the continent to meet the growing demand for the spirit. 
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On January 19th, 2025, American Single Malt Whiskey will become an officially recognized and protected category. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau’s (TTB) final rule will become effective, marking a historic milestone for those who have tirelessly campaigned for the recognition of this burgeoning sector. As a result, Yellowstone American Single Malt is increasing its presence in Europe.

Limestone Branch Distillery, based in Lebanon, KY, is increasing exports to the UK and Europe by 22%. Additional bottles of Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey (54% ABV) are making their way around the continent to meet the growing demand for the spirit. 

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Growing Demand

Greg Mefford, Managing Director of International Business at Luxco, commented: “The TTB ruling is a golden moment for American Single Malt. It’s grabbed the attention of whisky enthusiasts around the world and is driving curiosity. We’ve already seen a surge in interest of Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey since news of the ruling broke last month and expect awareness to grow as knowledge builds around the new category’s official standards.

“The rich history of Scotch makes single malt one of the world’s most renowned whisky styles, and any new take on this expression tends to create a reaction. In this case, the drawn-out debate in recent years for establishing the American Single Malt category has fuelled greater interest. People want to know what all the fuss is about, and this is driving sales in the UK and Europe.”

Limestone Branch American Single Malt Whiskey was launched in February 2023. At the time of release, prior to the TTB ruling, it complied with the traditional standards for American Single Malt. Now, it officially complies with incoming TTB regulations. 

Yellowstone American Single Malt 

Yellowstone American Single Malt is crafted entirely from malted barley and matured for four years in new charred American oak barrels. Bottled at 108 proof, this whiskey opens with aromas of cereal malt and honey. Its sweet, medium-bodied palate reveals layers of honey, pear, stone fruit, and dates. The finish is marked by oak, complemented by subtle hints of cinnamon and English walnuts.

American Single Malt Regulations 

The new American single malt regulations are as follows: 

  • A whiskey must be made from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley produced in the US
  • It must have a distillation proof of 160 (80% ABV) or less
  • An American Single Malt Whiskey must be distilled at the same distillery in the US and the whiskey must be stored in used, charred new, or uncharred new oak barrels, with a 700-litre maximum capacity and only stored in the US
  • No neutral spirits permitted; and no allowable coloring, flavoring, or blending materials permitted except caramel coloring that must be disclosed on the label
  • A straight American Single Malt Whiskey must be aged for a minimum of two years 


Stephen Beam, Master Distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery, concluded: “American Single Malt Whiskey being recognised as a category will accelerate innovation and quality standards. The TTB’s official provisions provide a positive framework for raising benchmarks and the ruling signals a new era for growing the category’s popularity in well-established single malt whisky markets such as the UK, Germany, Italy, and France. 

“This official designation isn’t about pitching American Single Malts against Scottish counterparts, or single malts from any other country for that matter. It’s about appreciating another chapter in America’s rich history of whiskey making and I think many people who are new to the category will be pleasantly surprised by what they find.” 

Beth Squires

Beth Squires joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 after completing her university degree in English Literature. Since then, she has acquired extensive knowledge about all aspects of whisk(e)y and now holds the position of Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. Beth is passionate about history, industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a special fondness for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth also serves as a whisky bottle investment specialist.

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