American Single Malts Worth Trying
American Single Malts Worth Trying
Dive into the world of American single malts, a category that is capturing the attention of whiskey enthusiasts around the globe. These distinctive spirits are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, often using locally-sourced ingredients and innovative aging techniques. In this gallery, we'll explore some standout American single malts that are definitely worth trying.
Balcones Texas Single Malt Whiskey
Situated in Waco, Texas, the Balcones Distillery, under the guidance of innovative distiller Chip Tate, is renowned for crafting premium, artisanal spirits that honor America's whiskey tradition. Their Balcones Texas Single Malt Whisky distinguishes itself through a unique maturation process. Distilled from malted barley like other single malts, the whisky undergoes aging in various barrels of distinct sizes and woods, culminating in a finish within large barrels crafted from diverse woods. This meticulous approach aims to enhance the natural flavors of the malted barley, preventing the wood extraction from overshadowing the spirit. By methodically rotating the whisky, nuanced characteristics emerge, influenced by the type and size of the barrels and the duration of maturation. The resulting spirit boasts a complex profile, featuring integrated notes of pralines, vanilla, brown sugar, and caramel that transform into ripe pear, citrus fruit, and raisin. The lingering finish is characterized by a delightful toasted malt essence, complemented by oak and spice. Notably, Balcones Distillery received several prestigious awards, including World Whiskey Distillery of the Year 2012, US Craft Distillery of the Year 2012, and the Icons of Whisky Award for Craft Whiskey Distillery of the Year 2012. Buy it now!
Stranahan's Sherry Cask Finished Colorado Whiskey
Colorado's Stranahan's has been a pioneer in American single malt whiskey, and their sherry cask-finished expression shows the kind of craftsmanship that's made them a favorite among bartenders who know their stuff. They take their Rocky Mountain single malt and give it extra time in sherry barrels, which adds incredible richness and complexity to an already solid base spirit. The sherry influence brings out flavors of dried cherries, toffee, and baking spices, while the high altitude aging in Colorado gives it a unique character you won't find anywhere else. Bartenders love recommending this to scotch drinkers who are curious about American whiskey, since the sherry finish creates a bridge between the two styles. At around 90 proof it's approachable but still has enough backbone to be interesting, and the finish is long and warming with just a touch of oakiness. This is a craft distillery that's been doing things right for years, and this sherry cask version proves they're not just resting on their reputation – they're continuing to experiment and put out quality stuff that stands up to anything the big brands are doing. Buy it now!
Westland Distillery Sherry Wood American Single Malt
Seattle's Westland Distillery is doing something special with American single malt, and their sherry cask-finished expression proves that the Pacific Northwest knows a thing or two about whiskey. This craft operation uses locally grown barley and finishes their spirit in Spanish sherry casks, which gives it this rich, almost wine-like quality that's different from anything coming out of Kentucky or Tennessee. The sherry influence brings dried fruit flavors like raisins and figs, along with nuts and dark chocolate notes that make it feel luxurious. Bartenders who carry it say customers are often surprised by how much depth a relatively young American whiskey can have when the distiller really knows what they're doing with cask finishing. There's a slight salinity to it that some people pick up on, probably from the coastal climate where it's aged. It's not cheap, but you're supporting a craft distillery that's genuinely pushing boundaries and creating regional character in American whiskey. This is perfect for those evenings when you want something contemplative that rewards slow sipping. Buy it now!
Westward American Single Malt Whiskey
Crafted in Portland, Oregon, exclusively from 100% malted barley, this whiskey stands as an exemplary representation of the American Single Malt style. The production process involves fermenting the barley with an ale yeast, followed by distillation in a double pot still. Subsequently, the whiskey undergoes maturation in new charred American oak barrels. The aromatic profile is dominated by malted nuts and honey, setting the stage for a palate rich with notes of cinnamon porridge and spices derived from the barrel aging process. The spirit strikes a harmonious balance between sweetness and well-spiced elements, akin to an oatmeal cookie, leading to a prolonged and satisfying finish where the distinctive ale yeast shines brightly amid a medley of flavors. Buy it now.
Copperworks 11 Year Old American Single Malt
This is the “I’ve had everything” guy’s kryptonite. Eleven years in oak gives it ridiculous depth – dried stone fruit, cocoa, subtle smoke, and a long, warm finish that keeps you going back to the glass. Seattle-made, small batch, and flat-out sophisticated without being snooty. Hand it over and watch him get real quiet… that’s the sound of respect. Buy it now!
Cedar Ridge The QuintEssential
The special release of Cedar Ridge's Quintessential American Single Malt from last year ventures into new territory, elevating the whiskey to greater heights. Starting with the familiar 100% 2-Row Pale malted barley base aged for six years in ex-bourbon barrels, select casks underwent a secondary maturation in first-fill Ruby Port, Amontillado sherry, and new French oak casks. After vatting, the whiskey was bottled in its pure, untouched form, presenting a complex fusion of flavors from the various cask finishes. Buy it now!
Westland Garryana Edition Eight
This Seattle distillery produces some of the finest American single malts, offering a variety of expressions. The eighth edition of Garryana, part of the Outpost Range, is named after the native Pacific Northwest oak used in some of its barrels. This latest release is notably a sherry bomb, with nearly half of the whiskey aged for about four years in Pedro Ximenez casks. The result is a complex blend of dark berries, chocolate, espresso, spice, and raisin flavors, creating a bottle you'll want to revisit time and again. Buy it now!
Stranahan's Mountain Angel Whiskey
Introducing Mountain Angel: the first 10yr old straight American Single Malt whiskey. After 10 years in new American oak barrels, Mountain Angel is pushing the boundaries of American Single Malt Whiskey, producing a flavor profile never brfore achieved. Buy it now!
Westward American Single Malt Whiskey - Cask Strength
Cask Strength highlights our rich, locally malted barely, the tasty lager made in-house, and the recently charred American Oak barrels that have been perfectly matured in Oregon—the right place to produce a whiskey of world-class quality. Buy it now!
Bulleit Single Malt American Whiskey
Bulleit's pioneering spirit and commitment to exceptional whiskey craftsmanship shine through in their latest innovation: Bulleit Single Malt Whiskey. Embracing the American Single Malt category with their distinctive approach, this whiskey reflects Bulleit's dedication to quality and innovation. Crafted with a specially curated malt barley strain and aged in white oak barrels, it offers a complex yet welcoming aroma of sweet vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, delicate flavors of red fruit and pear emerge, leading to a smooth finish with hints of oaky caramel and subtle cocoa. Bulleit's sustainability values are evident in the recycled glass bottle, further enhancing the experience of this exceptional whiskey. Buy it now!
Swift Single Malt Texas Whiskey (95 Points)
Made in Texas using Scottish malted barley, this single malt has a light gold color in the glass with a vanilla, apple, and pear scent. Together with a hint of cocoa blended with the vanilla and a somewhat smoky, charred aroma, these notes reverberate on the mouth. It feels smooth and greasy. Buy it now!
New Riff Sour Mash Single Malt Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey
Years of dedication culminate in the release of this new whiskey from New Riff. The spirit within the bottle is a harmonious blend of single malt whiskeys crafted from 100% barley mash bills, including Golden Promise, Maris Otter, Chevallier heirloom barley, and Scottish peated barley malt. These whiskeys are meticulously aged for seven to eight years in a diverse array of casks, including new charred oak, de-charred toasted oak, red wine casks, Portuguese brandy casks, classic sherried oak casks, and more. The result is a complex and nuanced expression that reflects the culmination of years of expertise and innovation. Buy it now!
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