Ask the Whiskey Hotline - What's Up with American Single Malt?
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Every week, the Whiskey Hotline answers real questions from customers seeking special releases, gift ideas, and expert recommendations. With hundreds of inquiries pouring in annually, we spotlight one question each week and share our answer in hopes it helps you, too. I’m a big fan of single malt scotch and I’ve been hearing more and more about American single malt. Do you have any recommendations on where to begin? Absolutely—we’re big fans of single malt whiskey here at the Whiskey Hotline. While we tend to focus on distilleries from Scotland, we’ve been thrilled to see the growing category of American single malt gain traction. In January 2025, the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau granted American single malt an official designation. Here are some excellent examples to help you explore the category. |
Minden Mill Single MaltAn estate distillery located in Nevada’s Carson Valley, Minden Mill produces a single malt from grain grown in this unique climate. Matured in new American oak, ex‑bourbon, and oloroso sherry casks, their single malt is approachable and brimming with the character we love in some of our favorite Speyside malts. |
McCarthy's 3 year old Oregon Single Malt WhiskeyDistilled and matured at Oregon’s Clear Creek Distillery, McCarthy’s is recognized as the first commercial American single malt, and their 3‑year expression is an excellent starting point. Taking its cues from Islay, this flavorful whiskey is crafted with a portion of peated malt. |
Westland American Single Malt WhiskeyAnother whiskey hailing from the Pacific Northwest—this time from Seattle. Heavily influenced by craft beer culture, Westland incorporates a portion of roasted malt into its mash and ferments with Belgian saison yeast to build layer upon layer of flavor. |
Maplewood Distilling Fat Pug WhiskeyMaplewood, a favorite brewery in Chicago, is also producing world‑class spirits. Their Fat Pug Whiskey features a mashbill inspired by the Fat Pug Oatmeal Milk Stout, incorporating roasted and crystal malts alongside traditional distillers malt. Aged in new American oak, the marriage of malt and maturation creates a whiskey that proudly wears its beer heritage on its sleeve. |
Brother Justus American Single Malt WhiskyBrother Justus Single Malt hails from Minneapolis and is inspired by the Brother Justus, a Benedictine monk who taught immigrant farmers to distill their own grain. Founded in 2014, the distillery embraces a grain‑to‑glass philosophy, using locally grown barley to create a truly regional expression of American single malt. Round and approachable, with notes of toasted malt, vanilla, and a hint of oak spice, it’s a must try. |
