The Ultimate American Single Malts Guide For Beginners

[@jeremiahbockman3230]

Trenton gives the most heinous examples of flavors then follows them up with "but not in a bad way." Like burning to death in a tire fire at a riot, but not in a bad way.

[@darkguardian50]

"like a cat's fur, slowly burning in a musty basement. But not in a BAD way"

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

😂

[@smknochs1]

Traditionally, "navy strength" in the British empire meant the proof point at which one could douse gunpowder in a spirit and the alcohol content was high enough that a match could still ignite the gunpowder. While the British used to measure ABV slightly differently, that contemporary proof point is ~114.

[@SpectralNova]

I’d like to add a bit of trivia. Historically, British navy strength (when it was effectively standardized in 1866) was actually 54.5%. Proof strength, on the other hand, works out to be approximately 57% by modern measurements (57.14%, to be exact.) Somewhere along the way, these two have gotten mixed up.

[@pepegon-zals7606]

Thanks to Kurt’s enthusiasm, I’ve given american single malts a chance and now I’m sipping on Old Line navy strength and Westward cask strength and lovin’ life

[@jaxcoop1511]

These bottles have always just sat and collected dust at the liquor store I work at. I guarantee after this video the bourbon guys that frequent my store and watch your channel will be inquiring 🥃

[@justinp8473]

Old Line was my introduction to American Single malt. Glad they made it on here, highly recommend!

[@FantasySoldier]

"I don't know what chocolate malt balls are" also Trenton "I love pool water"

[@davidrenner6112]

Great show. I'll have to try some. Living in Texas, I have tried Balcones products and enjoyed them. From what I found, Navy strength must be at least 57% ABV. Glad to hear Trenton is starting to gain a taste for scotch. I hope one day he will come to appreciate the peatier varieties. Lagavulin 16... yummy!

[@rodttu]

Balcones Lineage started me down this road and did not disappoint.

[@jcman3113]

I've tried a lot and Balcones has some great stuff. My favorite American single malt.

[@TiffanyAshley-zd5ej]

Lineage is actually their worst single malt. Their main single malt is incredible.

[@rodttu]

Have you tried Cataleja?@@TiffanyAshley-zd5ej

[@Josh_Stringer]

I'm excited for this video. My local store did a pick with Virginia Distillery Co for an 11yr ASMW. I really enjoyed it. Also, ASW (Georgia) has a peated single malt called Tire Fire that I really like. But overall I know very little about Single Malt. Thanks for doing this!

[@userperson5259]

This is good timing. I just picked up my first ASM. I found a Stranahan's Single Barrel Cask Strength and I was blown away and just love it. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@bdwilcox]

Keep an eye out for Stranahan's Sherry Finished

[@CelebrateWhiskey]

While I like a lot of American single malts in the market, Westward is amazing! I can’t seem to get enough of their expressions. Definitely a brand that fits my palate perfectly.

[@jimmyc5050]

Just picked up a bottle of their Single Cask Porter finish yesterday and really enjoy its character....coming from a fellow brewery owner. Kind of expensive, but support local right??

[@DavidGiardina-n6q]

Really like their stuff too. The Pinot Noir finish is fantastic -mocha for ages on the finish.

[@JordanG_3031]

SLB Classics 0:10 Trenton begins to regret his decisions 2:02 can’t turn down a good tasting 2:45 Kurt tries to get abusive again 2:57 rules time with Kurt 3:42 easily under a minute, well done 4:01 Trenton needs to readjust 4:41 Trenton can’t contain his desire to sample 5:32 Kurt did a bit of research, Trenton already knows SRP 5:46 Trenton hasn’t tried a food 😮 6:37 always gotta find the budget friendly for beginners 6:39 Trenton infinity donation face 6:48 Trenton opening face 7:49 Kurt makes a wonderful pun sherry-bomb 9:37 MVP Josh 10:22 Kurt and Trenton have different thoughts on what a wisp is 10:32 story time with Trenton 11:44 Trenton candy note: campfire starburst 11:50 JUICY 12:54 Trenton gets blown away face 14:15 sticky note 🤴 14:57 Trenton has some interesting thoughts 15:05 Trenton struggles with words 15:36 Trenton goes straight from the bottle 17:05 future ideas, teachings with SLB 17:44 come to DC for some good rum at Thrasher’s 18:30 nice sign off and nod

[@numanuma20]

😂

[@jimmyc5050]

From primarily a bourbon fan, thanks for this Single Malt intro. I visited Westland yesterday and sipped on a flight before purchasing their single barrel cask strength porter finish. It's 106.2 proof and aged 8 years. As a fellow brewery owner/operator I really like the 5 malt flavors and porter like notes from this expression. This new Whiskey category has me entertaining the idea of opening up a small craft distillery....hmmm.

[@vervor]

I have one of those port finish single cask and it is just unreal - raspberry chocolate dessert - an insane pour. Westland is doing great things.

[@jhawkk2004]

So happy to see the love for Old Line. They are putting out some incredible stuff lately. Can't wait for the next store picks to drop in our area.

[@cholatse3062]

Best whiskey channel by far. Love you guys. I just joined, but have been watching for while. I used your opinions to buy all my whiskey Christmas presents. And I love this video. Right now I'm drinking Willet Small Batch Rye. Next week it'll be something else. In fact, I'm about to buy some Old Line.

[@TheMoonDays]

I’m partial to McCarthy’s single malt cask strength! I’m from the PNW so I might be biased but it’s a delicious, briny, smoky pour. I’d love to hear your thoughts Kurt, and I’d love to hear your disdain Trenton 😂 much love guys, best whiskey channel on KZbin, hands down.

[@angelas8021]

The content so far this year is on FIRE! ❤ Love this channel

[@kenheise162]

Boulder Spirits out of Boulder Colorado has a KILLER single malt. All ingredients are imported from Scotland to include the peat used to smoke the malt. I highly encourage you to order a bottle and try it.

[@scoobtoober2975]

I didn't know they went that far in sourcing. I bet you've seen rootshoot single malt American BiB. Give that one a go. made by boulder but local malts.

[@balkthor]

Because of your shows last week, I picked up a bottle of Westward to try a single malt. I must say, I’m incredibly lucky to live in the west coast. This month I’ll be picking up their entire line, it was just magnificent.

[@Discmaninac8494]

Great! I would love to see more scotch and single malt videos!

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

Westland was the 2nd American Malt that I tried. Absolutely loved it. Very dense, saturated flavors. It's almost like a Speyside with Speyside extract added.

[@joeport6823]

The problem I have with the American Single Malts I have tried is, they have a note to them, just like a really young craft whiskey and it is not a good note. I don't know if it is the malt giving that note, but I just can't get past it. I also feel like this category was created to help them make more money, because they don't have the barrel restriction or any age restrictions. That being said, I enjoy the videos, so keep them coming.

[@DuckieDooh]

I love Stranahan Blue! That is the one that started me looking for more American Single Malts

[@RobC9562]

I live near Seattle and have been visiting Westland every year for the past few years. American single malts have definitely grown on me!

[@biged3408]

Have been into ASM’s for over a year. Stranahans, Westward, Balcones, Starlight.. Excellent choices..

[@njsmwalker]

Kurt, you have the greatest attitude about whiskey.. try em all..keep your palate open and you never know what you might find. Had a blue corn baclones the other week that was awesome. Cheers!!!

[@jeremysieminski2587]

I cannot agree more with Kurt about Old Line. They are fantastic all around and Mark, one of the co-owners was a fantastic guy to chat with. I've had the Navy Strength and a store pick - both great! They also have a Sherry Cask finish that is absolutely wonderful.

[@MatthewsGauss]

Andalusia Stryker Smoked Single Malt is a Texas whiskey that also smokes their malt with mesquite and it is absolutely amazing. I am obsessed with blending it with other whiskey's and so far blending with old forester 100 rye is a perfect for an amazing baking spice and smoke bomb.

[@jimreichel1466]

Very, very nice show. I am glad that KZbinrs are finally reviewing American Single Malts - so long over due. There are 3 ASMs that I really love. Stranahan's Sherry Cask ASM, Westward ASM, and Andalusia Stryker Smoked ASM. The Stryker also smokes the malt with mesquite, oak and apple woods, similar as with the Del Bac. Right now these are my favorite ASMs. Cheers!

[@slbdrinks]

I need to find Stryker!

[@ronniewillet710]

The Stranahan's Sherry Cask finished is absolutely amazing! I ordered two from last year, and still have most of one remaining.

[@chtruckerhat]

Glad you guys made a video about this. I purchased a westward cab finish and I immediately found it terrible. tasted like pickle brine. Hopefully I was having an off day but right now its a drain pour for me

[@JackRyan-dj9nm]

Went to Stranahan Distillery and picked up a cask strength the Sherry and a distillery only brewmaster. They are fantastic.

[@rhayes458]

Really appreciate this 101 masterclass format! Looking forward to more of these!

[@Jwiener73]

Walked into the local liquor store, and they had an Old Line store pick. My first American single malt. It’s excellent!!!

[@khelnozz63]

Westword single malt cask strength, out of Oregon, is the bottle that changed my world on American Single Malt's. Ive had a few of them including the Del Bac Dorado which I liked very much, but once I got a pour of the Westword bottle my mind was completely changed in what I am now seeking this year for my picks. Thanks for the video guys, love your insight to inform my whisky journey.

[@iwanaburrito]

I recently got my first single malt, a JD twice barreled single malt and holy crap it’s delicious! So I’m excited about this mini series and can’t wait for Wednesday.

[@jondilly1974]

I believe the Stranahans Blue is a solera cask product. I really love their cask strength store picks of their standard yellow label. I’ve had a few of them and are some of my favorites. If you are a higher proof whiskey drinker, try to find one of them. They are reasonably priced and are usually found at Total Wine.

[@markcalhoun8219]

It is a solera cask, Stranahans Blue is amazing for $30, like apricot Christmas cookies in a glass.

[@jporterz2873]

The New Riff Single Malt I bought is REALLY good. It is my first bottle of single malt, and I don't regret it!

[@matthewslaughter7693]

Grabbed a bottle of the Westland Colere last year. It’s one of the best ASMs I’ve tried, but at your suggestion, I just bought a Westward Cask Strength this week. I’m looking forward to giving that a try. Thanks for staying on this subject. Trent, I hope you’ll consider doing an episode on your favorite high-aged ryes. I love rye more than any other whiskey and I’d love to have your input on the bottles that have been aged for 8+ years. Keep up the good work. Thanks!

[@CSAN]

Enjoyed the show. Thanks for helping spread the word about American Single Malt. Admittedly, four grain bourbon with malt is not my thing so I was leery of trying ASM. I put that aside and tried the Westward that you had shown previously and was pleasantly surprised. I received a bottle of Yellowstone as a Christmas gift and didn’t hate it. Perhaps ASM will be my gateway for learning to appreciate scotch 😂

[@benhuth3442]

I'm so excited to finally see this video! The hints have been coming for awhile now. Also super pumped to hear Trenton start to talk good about Scotch!! I see him joining the cult of Ardbeg someday! I would absolutely love to see more Scotch content.

[@RJR2222]

Enjoyed the video. I just got started into Am Single Malt. The first one I tried was JD and it’s still my favorite. Then Clermont Steep and it was terrible. Now I bought a Stranahans Sib pick and liked it but did get a faint bitter note at the end. Hopefully once it opens up that will be gone. Thanks

[@TheFakePenguin]

Oh I’ve been on that Old Line for awhile now being from Maryland and all!

[@rogerreese7624]

Love the fact that you guys are exploring a bit. I visited Stranahan's last fall and sampled most all of their whiskeys. It's easy to love their story and their whiskeys. I was even able to try a pour of their Snowflake limited release, which was phenomenal. Cheers!

[@chriskellas2902]

I recently picked up a bottle of RUA, from Charlotte NC and enjoying it very much.

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

Thanks for this. I’ve been wanting to try some American single malts. Big Islay fan. As soon as I tried Ardbeg 10 I was hooked. I hear McCarthys American single malt is close to Islay. Definitely want to try some American single malts.

[@dylanrogers9722]

Gotta give Virginia Distilling Company a chance.... really good single malts

[@jasonlepak9290]

I just tried an American single malt from Driftless Glen on Saturday at the distillery. It tasted like I was in a hay mound or a grain silo. Super dusty but very interesting.

[@GarrettMikulka]

John Emerald is absolutely worth while. One of my favorite American Single Malts right now. Part of the barley is smoked over pecan wood. Unique and delicious.

[@gtmustang09]

Old Line is amazing!!!

[@bmc2567]

My company has an office in Eugene, Oregon, and I discovered Westward years ago before they really started distributing across the US. They actually had a bottle shop in Portland airport. I will pick up a bottle to bring home with me.

[@Robert.Sheard]

I'm excited about ASM. Given the barrel restrictions on bourbon, it's good to see another alternative that doesn't use up more virgin barrels. I'm still new to the category, but Stranahan's, Westward, Westland, and McCarthy's are terrific starting points.

[@BuckFlicks]

I've really become a fan of the few ASMs I've tried over the last few months. Westland is my favorite so far. Courage and Conviction is pretty good too.

[@G_P_G]

great video, i'm going to try and look at expanding my horizon into American single malts. I'm a bourbon/rye guy, I probably haven't tried them due to my dislike for scotches and irish whiskeys. I did once get a pour of the JD special release single malt and loved it but I wasn't sure if it was just the sherry cask finish that helped me enjoy it so much.

[@paulspanja6137]

Great way to start a Monday by watching a new SLB video. Thanks for the education on ASM.

[@gerardstaniszewski8309]

Great show Kurt. I'm 100% with you. Keep expanding your knowledge and palate. It's all flavor sensations. If you don't like something fine. Don't cut it down. People listen to you. Keep it going. BTW, I love the budget tastings.

[@paulbarrettpeck6674]

I love the Obtanium Light Whiskey which is similar to the Single Malt. I have a Cask Strength Store Pick Old Line and it is also one of my favorites.

[@Greven64Staller]

I just got a Old 55 BIB can't wait til i get to try it on Friday

[@connorculver2172]

Haven't seen many American Single Malts at my store here in Montana. Hopefully they start bringing some into inventory.

[@umami0247]

I got a bottle from ASW Fiddler that is a malted rye which is a very light tasting rye not sure how they did that it has no spice at all. First pour I wasn't sure if I was going to like it was very different but I went back to it and it is what I believe is a step towards a scotch. I also got a double malted bottle from Fiddler. Haven't opened that one yet.

[@ScottWhitley-jj1wd]

Very enjoyable video. I'm in Ontario where we don't get access to all of these, by any means, but I did enjoy the Woodford Straight Malt Whiskey. I thought it had a pronounced clove aspect, almost a "dentist office" aspect (but in a good way). Trenton? You're the master at this ...

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

The only American barley whisky I've had (I'm not a Brit, and choose not to use Briticisms 🙂) is Balcones Lineage Texas Single Malt (but when it's the actual name of the whiskey, that's what I use), which is *delicious.* I want to explore American barley whisky, but right now I'm focusing on rye as my budget allows. My experience with the Lineage, and with a very few Irish and Scottish whiskies, tells me that barley in large quantities gives whisky a fruity character that I enjoy. 8:02 Did I see a screw top on a $70 bottle? Bravo for Westland! 👏 9:56 It probably is Tucson. The original name of the town, if I remember right, was San Antonio del Bac. It's not American, but it just so happens that I'm sipping Laphroaig 10 as I watch, and yep, there's the fruit. Tonight's glass is almost the last one from the bottle, and the chemical notes are much muted, so that the juice tastes like smoked fruit. Even through the peat the sprouted barley shows up with the fruit. 🙂

[@Gag3r]

Crushed the thumbnail, looking forward to this episode so much! Now I will enjoy it.

[@scoobtoober2975]

Love rootshoot mabe by boulder spirits. Or boulder single malt. Very good. Scotch replacement. I cant afford my beloved arran 10, or craigaliche 13 as often. Cheers

[@melissarivers8479]

I am looking to add a few American Single Malts to my collection. Looking forward to the video on Wednesday.

[@dudegreg]

Courage and Conviction is a winner in our house, although the value isn't as good as some legacy scotch brands that aren't under the financial strain that a new distillery is.

[@mikestewart3670]

Great show! Especially for a newbie into American Single Malts. Thanks fellas!

[@22mgiauque]

Stranahans Blue Peak is finished in Solera Cask. It's on the white part of the front label.

[@Topshelfphilly]

Solera isn’t a cask it’s a method of ageing

[@waynedanley1190]

Very interesting video. My question is, are the bottles that you highlighted in this video regional? I checked several stores that I frequent that have their inventory online and came up empty. Thank you for helping us to expand our whiskey experience.

[@Slo-Mode]

American single malt is some of my favorite whiskey on the market right now

[@SmokeyJr93]

Tucson resident here. I love Whiskey Del Bac

[@ColeAndWhiskey]

The chocolate note on American Single Malts can usually be attributed to a variety of a chocolate malted barley which is in Westland’s mashbill

[@jjmiller8729]

I’m really loving the bulleit single malt. Third 750ml and I’ve noticed that the flavors change from bottle to bottle. I also love anything stranahan and the only one I haven’t tried yet is the diamond peak which is supposed to be like 10 year?! I just like to see what different regions have to offer.

[@ManateeOnRye]

For Trenton and his love of bourbon I can safely say Town Branch Single Malt is a bourbon makers single malt. Freaky how the venn diagram of flavors actually had more than normal overlap. (Unless you try my local blending house's barrel pick, that is pure passion fruit in a glass) But yeah, glad to see him opening up. At recent bourbon tasting a host asked me what my favorite style of american whiskey was he looked at me like I was a unicorn when I said ASM.

[@tonycronin3080]

ASM is definitely a category to watch. I am lucky enough to have Cedar Ridge products near me and they do a fantastic job. Also Lost Lantern is a company that finds good barrels of things around the US and has put out some great bottles to help showcase the whiskey scene in the US

[@dmitripress9853]

Kurt, what is your favorite whiskey? (I mean best of your life time) Lately I have developing kind of confusion. So many great whiskeys (bourbon, rye, single malt, blended) available for purchase, but for my pallet some good, some so-so, some great, some amazing. I understand that impossible to try all of them, and kind of stopped to purchase new releases, new small distilleries, new blenders, etc. Currently I'm target only known large distilleries, otherwise I'm already get lost on current market. Your channel and other whiskeys review channels help me to pick good bottles. Mostly my may nose and pallet agreed with reviews.

[@DileepB]

Glad to see you branching out beyond bourbons. Looking forward to Wednesday!

[@gbruckner55]

Great idea! Don’t forget about Cedar Ridge. The Quintessential might be the best whisky I’ve had. They’ve recently had a special release, Portside at 117.2 proof.

[@Robert.Sheard]

100% with Kurt. I am whisk(e)y promiscuous. I love it all.

[@nickmerkerson5401]

Gonna go out and try some. I shied away from the single malts and american whiskeies in favor of bourbon. Great show. Navy strength is 57% at least with rum and gin

[@nickp5511]

Nice review! Some sound interesting but of these I think I will be looking for the Westland! Cheers

[@AMWhiskey-kl8qh]

Trying to get into American single malts, so loved this video. Thanks guys, amazing job as always

[@Spadg]

If you find it, try one of the St. George single malt lot series. They’re all a wild ride. Their Baller ASM is also really good and funky. They were also one of the firsts to start doing American single malts back in the 90s/early 2000s. Them and McCarthy’s (and one other that’s now bunk).

[@CraigBauer-h6c]

Thumbnail photo for the win!

[@mistermom310]

I've had the Yellowstone and enjoyed it. Now that I've seen this, I'll look for the Jack Daniels. Side note...I was doing a pour of OGD114 2 nights ago. I was reading a little about it and saw the "Navy strength" statement in the review/ info. I'll be waiting for Wednesday's video ❤️🥃❤️🇺🇲

[@hhbuckeye5hhbuckeye585]

Courage and Conviction!

[@bigdave2952]

Everybody’s palette changes over time, enjoy the journey Trenton

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks Dave!

[@JimTaylorFTWTX]

I would love to see which unpeated scotch Trenton liked. I love smoke on my bbq/meat but not my drink unless very light. My first ASM was Colkegan in Apple Brandy cask.

[@01blaval]

Westland for me all the way🥃👍🏼 Love this one, but also really love the american oak👍🏼

[@pc09503]

Good call on the Albanese Malt Ball!!

[@markgale1644]

LA Distillery has numerous American Single Malts and does a tour . Anyone visiting Los Angeles should take the tour

[@Twest91x]

Balcones Lineage is really good for a beginner whether it's whiskey period or someone getting into American single malts.

[@TiffanyAshley-zd5ej]

Balcones has great single malts but Lineage isn't one of them. Try their original 1 single malt or any of their variants.

[@neilpowell1641]

this is a good topic to cover given the growing category it seems to be.... Are all American single malts dried over peat or otherwise smoked?

[@FireontheMountain321]

No

[@kay_jay_em]

Big scotch fan but the American single malts I’ve tried (Stranahans/Yellowstone) just haven’t done it for me.

[@andrettski8686]

Good, that might mean I will like them.

[@babaoriley124]

Redwood Empire released one recently that is wonderful!

[@prestonopp]

Hopefully Balcones single malt is in the mix Wednesday! They are so dark, dense, and rich… absolutely phenomenal

[@justinvandee9428]

I will be getting the Jack Daniel's travel exclusive single malt in May that cousin has in Hong Kong and will bring back then

[@paulhendershot111]

Let me know when sign up for whiskey class begins. I'll be there each morning with my bologna sandwich in a brown bag and a pint of the whiskey of the day! It's all about learning.....

[@smknochs1]

Stranahan's Blue Peak tastes like eating an unripe white peach by some honeysuckle at the pool on a early summer day. Whiskey Del Bac Classic smells and tastes like grilled peaches sitting my campfire in the desert. Balcones Lineage is tropical fruit explosion and Texas 1 is rum soaked raisins and smokey figgy pudding.

[@scoobtoober2975]

I love subtle peat. Ardbeg 10 used to be good. Not so much now. Spirit hound here used to but doesnt not. Boulder spirits just wong gold for american single peated. World whiskey awards. Trenton you have to try craigaliche 13 or arran 10. Very good non peated.