This is a unique look at whiskey from another lens. To almost see it in a different light. I need alot of feed back on this. And by all means i hope you enjoy. KYSU
The new frontier of whiskey: Kick off the segment by discussing the recent formal recognition of American single malt by the TTB. As of January 19, 2025, it is an official whiskey category. This is a huge milestone for American distilling and an exciting time to be exploring these whiskies.
A "wild west" of flavor: One of the most exciting things about American single malt is the variety of flavors. Unlike the strict rules of Scotch, American distillers have been free to experiment with different cask types, wood smoke (like mesquite), and aging locations, leading to a much more diverse flavor profile.
The barrel difference: American single malts are not limited to the used barrels required for Scotch. They can be aged in new charred oak, used bourbon barrels, or even experimental casks like port, sherry, or wine. Ask your co-hosts how this freedom affects the flavor profile and what their favorite aging methods are.
Founding fathers of American single malt: Pay homage to the trailblazers who started it all. Mention Steve McCarthy of Clear Creek Distillery in Oregon, who is widely credited with producing the first American single malt back in 1996. Other influential distilleries to highlight include Westland and Stranahan's.
Fun facts and trivia
More than Scotland: There are over 200 distilleries in the U.S. producing some form of single malt, which is more than in all of Scotland.
Speed-aging in America: Due to the more dramatic temperature swings across the country, American single malts can mature more quickly than their Scottish counterparts. The climate, whether hot and dry in Texas or humid in Virginia, has a significant impact on how the whisky tastes.
Mesquite-smoked whiskey: While peat is the traditional smoke source for Scotch, some American single malt producers, like Santa Fe Spirits, use local ingredients. They use mesquite wood to smoke their Colkegan Single Malt, creating a distinct, barbecue-like flavor.
Single versus blended: Clarify the "single" in American single malt. It means the whiskey was distilled entirely at one U.S. distillery, unlike a blended whiskey, which mixes whiskeys from different distilleries.
Tasting notes and flavor comparisons
Side-by-side with Scotch: A great segment idea is to do a blind tasting of an American single malt and a Scotch single malt. Discuss the differences, such as the American's potential notes of caramel and vanilla from new oak versus a Scotch's more subtle oak influence.
The impact of a hot climate: Talk about American single malts from different regions. For example, a whisky from Texas (like Balcones) might offer a richer, bolder flavor due to the intense heat, while one from the cooler Pacific Northwest (like Westland) might taste more like a classic Scotch.
The barley difference: The type of barley used also matters. Some distillers use specific varieties like Golden Promise or heirloom barley, contributing distinct character. For instance, you can mention New Riff Distillery's use of multiple barley mash bills for their sour mash single malt.
The barrel finish: Discuss the wide variety of cask finishes. American single malts can have unique notes from being finished in rum, wine, or sherry barrels. Virginia Distillery Co. is known for its "Courage & Conviction" Double Cask Reserve, aged in bourbon and red wine casks.
Debate and discussion topics
American terroir: Ask your co-hosts whether they believe American single malt exhibits a true "terroir" or sense of place. Do they think the location of the distillery and ingredients creates a unique regional style, or is it more about the distiller's techniques?
