The Rise of American Single Malt! Top 10 Beginner's Guide

[@ASWDistilleryAtlanta]

Thank you very much for including us on your list! I think everyone knows american single malts are my passion, but it can be a hard row to hoe sometimes since they get less attention than other styles, so the recognition is a great spirits lifter. We have a lot more of the favorites aging in the rick and more weird new stuff too, I'll keep making it as long as smart people keep liking it!

[@ernestpeacock1943]

Yay weird!!👐🏾

[@whatsthepoint170]

You guys are killing it! I’ve tried several of your products recently and they’re delicious

[@pickleeater3102]

'Great spirits lifter'. I see what you did there. +1❤

[@vincenzo_soundscape]

Hi guys, how can I try your tire fire in italy?

[@brandonbullard2523]

Bal-co-nez 👍 love me some American single malts!

[@K0okyKats]

Good show, Jason. I went up to Ancram NY and Hillrock distillery. They have a Single Malt, grain to glass program instituted by Dave Pickerell. Their barley is grown and harvested on site and they have a malting floor and peat their own grains… pot still and it is the definition of ARTISINAL. Leather, butterscotch bomb … whacky. I go to it often.

[@smizints]

Los Angeles Distillery has some amazing award winning single malt whiskies fully matured in Tokaji casks. Absolutely delicious.

[@TheBourbonVan]

McCarthy’s status as the first American single malt producer makes it historic, but the flavor makes it legendary.

[@FrogPondBrewery1]

McCarthy cask strength is fantastic

[@superman6338]

I just went to the tasting room last week and bought my first ever McCarthy's... I've lived in Oregon for so long and never even tried it

[@jhawkk2004]

Old Line Distillery is doing some amazing things with their American Single Malt offerings. Some of their single barrels and collaborations are insane.

[@charlitoiwuagwu7920]

Agreed! Their distillate gets treated well in secondary casks as well, making it a quite versatile brand. Shout out to the Port!

[@evankoehn5747]

Strong vouch

[@bjaiken]

Agree. Old Line Distillery is as strong as any American single malt I’ve tasted.

[@jhawkk2004]

If any of you are in the Baltimore area and got to try the Rasputin barrel, you know how crazy some of their finishes can get. That is the wildest whiskey I've ever had.

[@Jeff_Huck]

Old Line out of Maryland is doing AMAZING things! Their rum and eggnog are great as well.

[@jlivengo]

Santa Fe, NM Colkegan Single Malt is absolutely delicious

[@OverlandDrams]

This right here 👍🥃

[@ThomasMetal75]

Sons of Liberty in South Kingstown, RI is doing some insane single malts distilled from beer recipes.

[@bt4760]

Old Line Distillery is a must try

[@craigbenfield3047]

Great video Jason. Im glad so glad Westland and VA Distillery made your list. They are great examples of American Single Malt. Cheers!

[@alanpawlowski1202]

You nailed this listing of distilleries although I would love to add Yellowstone ASM from Ross and Squibb and the almighty St. George Distilling out of northern California to your list. Highly recommend both of them 🤘🥃

[@TheMashandDrum]

I'll check em out!

[@MrMBBM]

I have a bottle of Westward Pinot Noir finished, and it’s my first one from them. I kinda regretted not buying the main expression because I think it would have given me a better idea of their single malt style. On this one, I find the finishing cask influence way too strong , it’s completely overpowering. However, either it’s getting better with time and contact with air, or I’m getting used to it, because I’m actually starting to like it. I bought a bottle of Glendronach Portwood at the same time, and the exact same price, and by comparison Westward seemed … raw, and not in a good way, more like a cheap, counterfeit version of the Glendronach. But I think that was only because I had the wrong expectations. We can’t expect American Single Malts to be identical copies of the Scotch Single Malts, nor should we want that. Now I’m actually looking forward to trying some Westland and some McCarthy’s.

[@goodwolf152]

ASM is the best thing going in the whisky world, right now. Only problem is distribution…really hard to find in your typical local liquor stores. Most of the brands in this video, while terrific, require you to either be local to the distillery, or order online. Would like to see this style gain popularity if only so we can start to see it more reliably on store shelves. P.S. - Colkegan is another fantastic distiller specializing in SM. Brilliant stuff.

[@talljohn5350]

There’s two single malts you really need to try. Kings county single malt and hillrock single malt. If you can get a cask strength hillrock single malt don’t be scared of the price. It’s worth it.

[@royboy2124]

Great list and video. I'm primarily a Scotch drinker and I love that we're seeing so many great Single Malts coming from America. One that I don't ever hear about but blows everyone away when I pour it for them as well as being my favorite American Single Malt is the Town Branch 7yr ASM. It's just amazing stuff so hopefully you can find somewhere you are. Cheers!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Will have to try it out! I've heard good things.

[@macfrazier8160]

Clermont Steep and Yellowstone are two I own. Just bought VA, Distilling Coffee Cask bottle since the owner put up $100,000 for women from my Alma mater Appalachian State U. to get into the whiskey business.

[@MartinD2]

Santa Fe Colkegan! New Mexico represent!

[@OverlandDrams]

Yess! ☀️

[@michaelhoffer9172]

Really enjoyed this video as it’s different than what everyone else is doing. This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite categories. The Quintessential is what opened my my eyes to American Single Malt and I am excited about where this category is going. I have had a couple of the Balcones that I have really enjoyed and anxious to find some of these others you mentioned. Cheers!

[@robertbooth3367]

Love these information packed videos. Not a Scotch guy, but have tried a couple American single malts. Jury still out. Now I have some direction and parameters to go by. Much appreciated Jason C!

[@B-Rye-N]

I am not a fan of Scotch or Single Malts but still enjoy learning more about it. Great video. The only whiskey I have found with higher malt that I enjoyed was Hard Truth Malted Rye.

[@JohnWalker-dn1qt]

Thats not a "higher amount of malt" its just malted rye. Its still 94% rye. "Malt" generally is referring to Barley specifically.

[@B-Rye-N]

@@JohnWalker-dn1qt Haha, that’s all I can take referring more to that malty flavor, not amount of malt for clarification.

[@edwardwilcox6606]

Ralfy has been alluding to the fact that Scottish distillers will be up against stiff competition in the single-malt category, watching your contribution here proves it`s well & truly happening. North Americans have proven their bravery in experimenting in distilling & brewing so I think this new burgeoning sector can only be successful not just for your own market but for export too. I will look forward to trying my first one sooner than later.

[@grahamokeefe9406]

Just finishing up a bottle of Yellowstone single. Sourced from MGP (we assume) and made by a Kentucky company. New oak maturation, so it's all malt on the front end, and all cask on the back end. Very much a scotch-burbon hybrid. Interesting stuff.

[@ernestpeacock1943]

🥳 I've been anxiously waiting for your ASM celebration! I love craft brews and spirits, and the single malts are where it's at! While building out that part of my collection, I discovered a great Dry Fly store pick at 138 proof and a Two Soul Spirits cask strength option showcasing Watershed's first venture into single malts which I haven't tried yet. Stranahan's store picks can be real butterscotch bombs. We all know you love that! Keep up the great content.👍🏾👍🏾

[@thejonathandoan]

Balcones 1 (Bal - cone - ness) is one of my favorites!! There's really nothing that tastes like a Balcones whiskey, and I didn't really like its distinct flavor at first, but it has grown to be one of my favorite spirits of all time. I'm looking forward to trying more American single malts over time. There are some really great flavors to be had!

[@andrettski8686]

And Balcones is actually affordable

[@matthewhall8790]

I've had a few, and liked them all. I like Deeehammer, Stranahan's, and the JD twice barreled is awesome.

[@jimarcuri4501]

Jason at his best in this video. Passionately highlighting craft producers while expertly educating his viewers. For me, American Single Malts “blends” my long love for scotch and newer love for bourbon and rye. I have enjoyed Westward and Virginia Distilling, and now have 8 more brands to try. Finally, Jason challenged the big brands, and after trying Beam’s Clermont Steep, I can agree that those Beam needs to step up its game - as the Clermont Steep was just not complex enough to hold up to scotch.

[@njsmwalker]

Rua single malt from Great Wagon Road distillery in NC is lovely. Very much in the Wishart ABC cluster Scottish single flavor profile

[@Brad-ic4bp]

I wish they’d have added a “no additives” to the rules, because I hate the deceptive practice of adding color to Scotch (though my favorites don’t do that). In any case, I haven’t felt motivated to buy an American single malt, but maybe I’m missing out.

[@jameslong1700]

Del Bac out of Tucson, AZ should definitely be on this list.

[@Tantrum777]

I agree!

[@bipolargods509]

Definitely

[@TheMashandDrum]

I mention them from lost and lantern but unfortunately I've never had anything from del bac. Will definitely need to change that

[@WhiskeyChasersPod]

Great Video! Another one we really like is Copper Fox Distilling out of VA. They have a peachwood Smoked bottle that is truly amazing!

[@numanuma20]

I just got tne Yellowstone American single malt. It taste like I’m drinking bourbon with so much oak flavor.

[@craigvanderhoff1208]

Great video! Have tried most on your list. Only one I would add is Copperworks out of Seattle. I have tried two of their bottles and both were excellent! I did get the Lost Lantern blend from Del Bac and that was very tasty! Never heard of them until I saw the Lost Lantern bottle.

[@milesforwin]

One for your list, and more importantly your enjoyment - Hillrock Single Malt Whiskey. They do everything from growing the barley through distillation and bottling as far as I know, and damn, does it show. They've got a fantastic double rye and a solera aged bourbon as well. Not to mention a very regal bottle ;) Loved the video otherwise, I've got some hunting and homework to do on these other American Single Malts. Cheers!

[@nickgerula]

Thank you for doing this! I have been getting into American Single Malts lately. Ill be on the look out for these.

[@rmTheWalrus]

OR and WA are doing some interesting stuff. I live in the PNW region so I can find these relatively easily and happy about it. Copperworks in WA is another who has done some good stuff in this realm in the past couple of years.

[@Robert.Sheard]

I love Scotch. I love Bourbon. I'm here for ASM, too. Let's go!

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Asw are doing super cool things. My favorite is the duality so far, the silky texture on it is unreal (yes i know duality isnt a single malt)

[@clmartin22]

Great video Jason. Definitely love what is going on with American Single Malt.

[@EthanSterner]

I’m sure it would be difficult for you to come across, but Manatawny Still Works in PA is putting out ridiculously good single malt whiskey.

[@michelerivera6183]

I very recently started drinking American Single Malts and am really enjoying Westland and Westward (though I can't find a bottle around here). Cheers!

[@whatsthepoint170]

This is what I love about this channel, it’s not just bourbon! Most of us like variety, it’s cool to learn about new things. Jason, I’m a little confused about one thing. How are these 4-6 year single malts supposed to compete with 12,15, 18 year scotches? I’m having a hard time seeing these having a chance. Or is the difference in the aging process here?

[@TheMashandDrum]

You nailed it. It's the aging. The cloudy and rainy climate in Scotland needs the whisky to age alot longer to get the flavor they are looking for. The US has alot more drastic climates which can age AMS faster.

[@LP23D6]

Just up the road from Cedar Ridge 60 miles. Planning a trip next Monday to check out their latest Quint.

[@MoparRocker74]

You definitely represented Oregon’s offerings nicely, Westward is fantastic as is McCarthy’s. One that may be lesser known and a bit tougher to find is Bull Run. I think it’s pretty comparable to Westland’s core expression but the money shot is the limited release finishes which are tough to find even locally unless you go to their tasting rooms. I recently got the cognac casked one which is a 7 yr cask strength whisky for a mere $53 vs $49 for the core malt which is 90 pf and 6 y/o .

[@jimreichel1466]

Really nice video. I currently have three off your list - Westland, Westward & Stranahan - and enjoyed them all. I also have had Balcones, also good. A few you mentioned are are to me and I will try to find them. Please keep this content coming as you have steered me in the right direction before. Thanks.

[@Mainzer74]

Hatch Distillery in Door County Wisconsin has a great Single Malt

[@Slo-Mode]

I really like single malt whiskey but haven't had much American. I'll be keeping an eye out for these

[@martyneary3501]

Stanahan’s Blue Peak is such a great value. Around $38 in Colorado. It’s a great place to start with ASM.

[@tonyn152]

Thanks so much for this. I've got a bottle of Stranahans which I really like, so will be looking for some of these to try!

[@javirios9234]

Bad ass video Jason! I've had the chance of trying most of those and they are definitely impressive and I'm looking forward the future of ASM. Cheers Jason!🤙

[@robertjennings9105]

So many rabbit holes to go down. Sounds interesting, I do like to try new things even at my old age. Keeps things interesting.

[@Ben_Demon_Hunter]

One that comes to mind is Boulder, from Colorado; started by a Scotsman, that immigrated to Colorado Thanks as always, Jason for your excellent content & Cheers, from Ben Demon Hunter 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸🥃🤠🥃🇨🇦

[@Ben_Demon_Hunter]

FYI: Earlier this year Boulder got the nod from Frank Minnick 😉

[@JonBlankman]

Thanks for this one, Jason! As much as I love my bourbon and rye, I have been getting into American Single Malt more and more lately. I really, really like every Stranahan's Cask Strength store pick I have had!

[@djbeacon6895]

Jason, great list and good to see this topic discussion with your comments. Would also mention St. George Baller and other expressions. CHEERS!

[@whiskeyriffslounge]

Such a great review and I totally agree !! ASM has been reaching a larger audience

[@terrykost4677]

Colkegan by Sante Fe Spirits is well worth a nod. Especially the Sherry finished. Mesquite smoked barley. Delicious.

[@gregs7375]

Fantastic video 👏 👏 Love the ASW shoutout, so goooood 🤤

[@dbltime]

Another great video Jason. We stumbled upon ASM in the last year. Limited selection in our part of the country with Stranahan's being readily available. We did find Dogfish Head Let's Get Lost ASM and love it. Will continue to be on the hunt for more.

[@ItalNico]

Thank you so much for this video. Westland is damn good but their prices are a bit too high for me. McCarthy's is my favorite and you can get a screaming deal on a single barrel bottle if you go to Portland. I bought their 6 yr for $100 a while back which was a fair price and it is fabulous stuff. The last time I was in Oregon they wanted $150 for one of the PX finished 6 yrs which seemed too steep so I passed on it. The Oloroso is a bit less at $120 so I might pick that one up.

[@debbybrady1246]

I'm excited about the American single malts, even though I'm Scottish..lol I'd better get to the store soon. I have tried Balcones, as I'm also a Texan, and I like it.

[@seanwhiskey8217]

Just picked a single barrel of Dry Fly O'Danagher's Caledonian @ 8 years of age... Mashbill of 50% Malted Barley/ 50% unmalted Barley (grown near Dry Fly at Danaher Farm)... So Straight American Malt Whiskey... Tastes like Powers John Lane with Eagle Rare-quality American Oak. Jon Krans will eventually work his way down this way to get a bottle, you might find a sample heading your way eventually! :)

[@vesterchampify]

Excellent picks. I've been on to American Single malt for a while. May wanna take a look at Copperworks in Seattle, too. Lost Lantern bottled some of their stuff, and the distillery has won a few awards as well. Thanks for your dedication to this movement and awareness. Cheers!

[@a68freak]

Stumbled into American Single Malts on accident but I love the chocolate and fruit flavors I've been getting from my faves. Going to try more the one's on the list that match my palate. Can't wait, hope to see more single malt reviews in the future.

[@donrumgay5200]

I love the Bear Fight…and guess since Highland Park is one one of my favorite scotches… what you said makes perfect sense. Have you tried the Fox and Oden American Single Malt? It’s my favorite out there right now…bottle says distilled in Ohio…(my guess is it’s Middle West Spirits in Columbus…but it does not say and have yet to find out for sure where) produced and bottled in Holland, Michigan…

[@GarrettMikulka]

Dry Fly out of Washington is doing some good American Single Malts, but my new personal favorite is Oak and Grist out of North Carolina.

[@dnkshaffer9305]

Great job, very informative

[@rickhopkins3863]

Thanks for the informative video! Being in Charlotte, NC I would be remiss if I didn't mention Rua, a delicious American single malt from the Great Wagon Road Distilling Co. I always have a bottle on hand.

[@richard9045]

Great vid Jason! I'm in UK and heard of Balcones, Stranahans and McCarthy's, not been able to try any but hope to soon. I think that the craft production approach is the best way forward for all new US malt whiskey ie no added colour, non chill filtered, abv 46% min and three years min in cask. It won't be easy to crack the bourbon market but if its good enough then there is definitely room for it.

[@grahamokeefe9406]

There will certainly be cheap offerings from the big distillers that don't take the craft approach, but right now, at least, the only people drinking ASMs are enthusiasts, so the craft approach will probably dominate. My hope is that these whiskies get such an ardent following that any cheap mass-market entries get laughed out of the market.

[@christinedaisy594]

Absolutely fantastic video on ASM!!! No surprise…I’m a HUGE McCarthy’s fan!!!😂

[@UltrahotPeppers]

I have enjoyed 3 of the Balcones 106 proof so far. One was really off on the flavor but the other two were great, strange when they were all the same batch. Definitely going to find one of your other suggestions and give it a try. Great information on American single malts so thank you and cheers Jason!

[@shaunfarrier9060]

Nicely done. Thank you sir.

[@cassygogas]

Great episode!!

[@bmery44]

Just ran into a James E Pepper single malt BIB, never heard or seen of it before.. might have to try some kentucky American single malt.

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Cut Spike Nebraska Single Malt has been going for a while. There pot stills were made in Glenrothes Scotland by the company that makes most of Scotlands stills. They have a 46% and a 50-55% (don't remember which?). Had the high abv one a couple of years ago at the same time I had a Balcones cs single cask and for me the Cut Spike was my preference. Check them out if you can. Cheers Jason

[@safeman33]

Excellent list!

[@customer9845]

Love Westward

[@jasellsrealtygroup_boston]

Hey, congrats on 80K subscribers

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks!

[@JohnWalker-dn1qt]

Have you had a chance to try the Single M.O.M. out of Crowded Barrel? (The Whiskey Tribe guys). It won best single malt at the recent Texas awards. Beating out Balcones.

[@Ranger15893bn]

Have you tired Clermont Steep? One that I like as a bourbon drinker.

[@williamwiley5531]

You know I agree with anything ASW but you did miss a few of their single malts, ASW Red-X just got Double Gold in San Fran and was in the top 3 for best in class for the American Single Malt Category, Space Hide Single malt finished in port cask also got Double Gold this year, and Optic Promise Single Malt.

[@TheMashandDrum]

I know but wanted to focus more on the standards. Not so much the special releases.

[@MichaelS_MathanDearg]

I always like a rise 😁I'm going to seek out McCarthy's & Cedar Ridge out here in NorCal

[@TonyB001]

Great video Jason . Good info !

[@thistledownwoodcraft3426]

You didn't tell them about the medallion refrigerator magnet that comes on every bottle of American Courage. The Whiskey is good too.

[@billybruticus4719]

The biggest detriment to me trying American single malt is the price of entry. In my area most of them are 70 and up. Luckily Yellowstone came out with their single malt 108 proof for 50. Not bad and now I'm interested in trying more offerings

[@boswineguy5461]

Bravo, great stuff!

[@mikemelichar9362]

Damn been waiting for so ethinyline this for a while now… Started my whiskey journey on Bourbon and Rye. Fell in love with Redbreast and other Irish Whiskeys and then…… Found Scotch! Damn it’s so good and interesting I would like to find some American single malt that are on par with Scotch!!! Jason thanks for the video!!!

[@troyfortsch4440]

Great selection!

[@DavidBurkett-x5d]

7869 is amazing!! I have one bottle about gone and one deck!! Mekka Lekka Hi , Mekka Malty HO !!

[@lwesr.4461]

You should check out John Emerald Distillery in Opelika Alabama.

[@martyp5976]

Si, great content as always!

[@kane6106]

I have yet to have one that was even remotely decent, but I appreciate the video!

[@davidgoldman6575]

Agree with you on the pot still. Redbreast is so friggin creamy.

[@TheEmiliodiaz]

Say what you want to say about Oregon but dang can we make some single malt whiskey!

[@GregD87]

Had to pour a little Cream of the Crop with a Screwtop to watch along 🥃

[@thistledownwoodcraft3426]

Copper Fox from VA has been doing this for 20 years.

[@johnnybrennan1157]

I would love to send you the American Single Malt from John Emerald Distillery in Opelika Alabama. I have 100+ whiskies, mostly bourbon, and this is the best whiskey in the house!

[@jackthepickledhound]

Now here is a rave!! A man with perspective! I'll keep an eye out for John Emerald.

[@whiskeyjohnston]

Nothing greater than Balcones Single Malts!

[@FrankGastelum]

You didn’t mention Boulder spirits cask strength or their 7yr Bib

[@cpakid6224]

Well done. Thanks

[@jasoncoates1835]

Speakin my language!