63: Westland American Single Malt Whiskey

We're discussing a new style of whiskey for us, American Single Malt Whiskey.  And who better to talk with than Westland Distillery, co-founders of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission.  We discuss what makes an American Single Malt Whiskey and the efforts to ratify a definition on a national level to protect the whiskey category.  

We enjoyed 3 of Westland's single malts; American Oak, Sherry Wood, and Peated.  Made from 100% barley, American Single Malt Whiskey may not share a lot of similarities with Kentucky Bourbon, but we enjoyed exploring the style. The rise in interest of the category has developed a lot of unique offerings across the country to compete with bourbon and rye whiskey.

According to the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, there are six standards of identity. An American single malt must be:

1. Made from 100% malted barley
2. Distilled entirely in one distillery
3. Mashed, distilled and matured in the U.S.
4. Matured in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 litres
5. Distilled to no more than 160 proof (or 80% ABV)
6. Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) or more

LINKS:

Westland Distillery
American Single Malt Whiskey Commission
How Westland Is Leading An American Single Malt Revolution
Matt Hofmann, Westland Master Distiller - Interview
What Is American Single Malt
Seattle Scotch Is A Thing. And It's Good.

NOTE: This show was recorded prior to the outbreak of Coronavirus/ Covid-19 in Seattle Washington and the surrounding areas.  We do not address this topic in this show for that reason. We send our best wishes to everyone that has been impacted by this virus and pandemic.  

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- Scott, Michael, & Jake