In a final rule published on December 18, 2024, the United States Tax Trade Bureau (TTB) is amending its distilled spirits standards of identity (SOI) regulations to include “American Single Malt Whisky” as a type of whisky that is produced in the United States and meets certain other criteria. The criteria adopted for single malt whisky specify that it must be a product that is mashed, distilled, and aged in the United States entirely at one U.S. distillery and distilled to a proof of 160 or less. It must be distilled from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley, stored in oak barrels and bottled at not less than 80 proof (40% Alcohol by Volume).
The barrels utilized in storing American Single Malt Whisky may be used, uncharred new or charred new barrels, but the barrels must be stored only in the U.S. The use of caramel coloring is permitted if it is disclosed on the product label, but no other flavoring or blending materials are permitted. Neutral spirits are also prohibited. Unlike Scottish, Irish, and Canadian whiskies, American whisky does not have to be aged for a specified amount of time.
The new standard of identity was proposed in response to petitions and comments from distillers and the American Single Malt Whisky Commission (ASMWC), which has approximately seventy-five members. The idea behind the new standard is to protect the integrity of American whisky while allowing for innovation. The regulation should strengthen the United States economy by creating tax revenue related to the new product category. The new standard takes effect on January 25, 2025.
About the Author
Julie Holt is a subject matter expert in the areas of food and beverage, additives and regulatory strategy. Ms. Holt’s expertise includes the beverage industry, with current consulting support across multiple beverage categories.
Holt has more than 25+ years of regulatory experience in the food and food ingredients industries and managed her own advisory firm, Scientific & Regulatory Solutions LLC, prior to joining FoodChain ID. As a consultant, she supported several food and beverage clients including a Fortune 50 company. Holt has provided global regulatory knowledge covering more than 200 countries. Her consulting efforts have supported global regulatory needs, R&D projects, sustainability goals and innovation initiatives.
