Support a Definition for American Single Malt Whiskey

by Guest Post
June 12, 2019

Editor’s Note: The Whiskey Wash has always been a strong supporter of the need to create an industry wide definition for what American single malt whiskey is. The chief whiskey industry movement behind this, the American Single Malt Commission, published today a statement calling upon its supporters to submit comments to the federal government (TTB) in relation to this desire. We’ve chosen to republish this note in its entirety to encourage our readers in making their thoughts known.

The time has finally come. The Treasury Department will be completing the process of amending the rules governing labeling of spirits in the US. The Public Comment Period for Proposed Changes closes on June 26th and we need your support to ensure our federal government recognizes and protects American Single Malt Whiskey.

Westland distillery — Some of Westland’s American single malt single cask releases. (image copyright The Whiskey Wash)

The process is simple and will only take a moment of your time. Simply login to this website to record your comment in support of formalizing a definition for American Single Malt Whiskey: https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=TTB-2018-0007-0001

We have drafted the following comment which you can simply copy and paste along with any additional notes you would like to include before listing your name and organization.

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I/we would like to formally support the petition to include a new Standard of Identity for American Single Malt Whiskey in the final ratified 27 C.F.R. §5.22(b) that reads as follows:

“American Single Malt Whisk(e)y is whisk(e)y distilled entirely at one United States distillery, mashed, distilled, and matured in the United States of America, distilled to a proof not exceeding 160° proof from fermented mash of 100% malted barley and stored in oak containers not exceeding 700 liters, and bottled at not less than 80° proof.”

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