TTB establishes American single malt whiskey as a distinct spirits category

USA – The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has officially recognized American Single Malt Whiskey as a distinct spirits category, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the U.S. whiskey industry. 

The decision follows years of advocacy from industry stakeholders, who emphasized the growing consumer interest and the need for a formal category to enhance transparency and trust.  

Since 2017, companies such as Remy Cointreau, XO Alambic, and Westland Distillery have petitioned the TTB to create a “standard of identity” for American Single Malt Whiskey, arguing it would benefit both producers and consumers. 

In response to these calls, the TTB sought public feedback in 2022 on a proposed legal definition for the category.  

According to the TTB’s criteria, American Single Malt Whiskey must be produced entirely in the United States, with the mashing, distillation, and aging processes occurring at a single distillery.  

It must be aged in oak barrels with a capacity not exceeding 700 liters, distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume (ABV), and bottled at no less than 40% ABV. 

The final ruling, which reflects feedback from industry and consumers, introduces two key updates. The designation “straight” can now be used for American Single Malt Whiskey aged for at least two years, aligning with terminology commonly used for other whiskey types.  

Additionally, the use of caramel coloring is permitted, provided it is clearly disclosed on the label. 

The TTB emphasized its willingness to consider future petitions for additional standards of identity for products made primarily or entirely from other malted grains.  

However, the agency clarified that it would not finalize any such standards without public and industry input. 

The recognition of American Single Malt Whiskey has been celebrated by industry leaders. In a joint statement, the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) praised the ruling as a crucial step toward protecting and promoting the category. 

“This is a landmark ruling from the TTB that further cements our standing on the global stage in whiskey,” said ASMWC President Steve Hawley. 

The decision comes as data from IWSR’s US Navigator showed that the American whiskey sector dipped by 1% in 2023.

The category’s volumes in the US dropped by 2 percent in the first eight months of 2024, driven by a decline for lower price tiers.

IWSR believes growth for the category has stalled in recent times as consumers tighten their budgets. It highlighted that volumes in the US previously rose at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5 percent between 2019 and 2022.

IWSR attributed the recent decrease almost entirely to the standard-and-below segment (750ml bottles below US$22.49), which accounted for a 59 percent share of the American whiskey category in 2023.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.