Leaf n Grain Society: Cigar Pairing Headquarters

The Birth of American Single Malt Whiskey American whiskey has long been defined by bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and rye—styles regulated under the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 and further clarified by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). However, as craft distilling surged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, American distillers began exploring ways to honor global whiskey traditions while crafting spirits that reflected their own heritage. Inspired by Scottish Single Malts—whiskeys made from 100% malted barley and distilled at a single distillery—American distillers adopted similar methods. However, they infused the process with their own creativity, using regional ingredients, unique water sources, and diverse aging environments. This wave of experimentation, championed by small-batch craft distilleries, gave rise to American Single Malt Whiskey. Pioneers like Westland Distillery in Seattle, Stranahan’s in Colorado, and Balcones in Texas led the charge, embracing malted barley and traditional pot distillation. Yet, they brought something distinctly American to the table—innovative aging techniques and bold approaches to flavor development. By the early 2000s, American Single Malt Whiskey had proven itself as more than an experiment. It was the next great chapter in American whiskey. The Push for Definition and Regulation While “single malt” enjoys legal protection in Scotland under the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), American Single Malt Whiskey lacks clear regulations. In contrast to bourbon—which must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels—this emerging category remained undefined under U.S. law. To address this gap, a group of leading distillers formed the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) in 2016. Their mission was twofold: Ensure Quality – Prevent misleading labeling and promote transparency. Celebrate Uniqueness – Establish standards that would honor global single malt traditions while distinguishing the American style. The Proposed Standards for American Single Malt Whiskey…