American single malt whiskey is carving a name for itself alongside its Scotch heritage. Crafted from malted barley and distilled using traditional methods, these whiskies celebrate American innovation—showcasing terroir, experimental aging, and bold flavor. As loyal bourbon fans and curious whiskey drinkers continue exploring, here’s your definitive guide to understanding this fast-growing category—and ten standout single malts you can shop now from Blackwell’s American Single Malt Whisky Collection.
What Makes American Single Malt Unique?
- Made from 100% Malted Barley: Like Scotch, American single malts use only malted barley, offering malty, sometimes smoky breadth—distinct from the corn-forward sweetness of bourbon.
- American Terroir & Innovation: Distilleries like Westland (Pacific Northwest), Frey Ranch (Nevada), and OakPacker highlight regional flavors via innovative smoking, local water, and experimental maturation.
- Creative Cask Finishes: Many play with unique barrel aging—rum, wine, or local woods—adding richness and complexity beyond traditional oak profiles.
How Do They Differ from Bourbon or Rye?
While bourbon is dominated by corn (at least 51%) and rye emphasizes spice, single malts rely solely on malted barley, offering flavors of dried fruit, cereal, chocolate, or smoke. And unlike bourbon’s mandated new oak, single malts allow a range of barrel styles post-distillation.
How to Enjoy American Single Malts
Best sipped neat in a tulip or Glencairn glass. Let the spirit breathe—water unlocks extra layers. On the rocks brings a chilled, rounder dimension. Cocktails work, but these whiskies really shine solo.
10 American Single Malts You Need to Try
- Westland “Flagship” American Single Malt Whiskey – Rich caramel, burnt orange peel, and a backbone of oak-forward warmth.
- High West High Country American Single Malt – A malty, roasted-grain character with American dryness and complexity.
- OakPacker “Air Edition” American Malt Whiskey – Sustainable, with unique air-harvested water and thoughtful terroir.
- St. George Single Malt Whiskey Lot 22 – Complex blend with espresso, roasted hazelnut, baklava, and Sauternes cask richness.
- Frey Ranch 6‑Year “Smoked Grain” Single Malt – Farm-distilled, smoky, and leather-rich—extreme and earthy.
- The Macklowe American Single Malt Kentucky Gold Edition – Elegant, dry, with nougat, toffee, and tropical fruit layers.
- High West Campfire Whiskey – While not touching barley, this blend of malt, bourbon, and rye shows single malt-like interplay.
- Follow Blackwell’s American Single Malt Whisky Collection for rotating new gems and limited editions.
Why the Buzz Is Real in 2025
- Consumer Demand: Whiskey fans are seeking alternatives to bourbon and embracing complexity, nuance, and regionality.
- Craft Distillery Boom: From Oregon to Texas, new producers bring local flavor and narrative to the category.
- Innovation Meets Tradition: Age-old techniques meet modern sustainability—like OakPacker’s pledge to water conservation.
Tasting Tips to Explore the Category
- Start with a flagship like Westland or High West for a palate analog to familiar malt or bourbon notes.
- Sample smoky or peated styles like Frey Ranch or St. George to expand your sensory map.
- Explore experimental releases for bold creativity—air-harvested water, Sauternes casks, and more.
- Take notes—compare sipping experiences neat, with water, and on the rocks to understand expression diversity.
The Final Pour
American single malts are stepping into the spotlight—and for good reason. They offer the brewing roots of Scotch, the experimental boldness of craft whiskey, and a true sense of American terroir. Start your exploration with the outstanding bottles above or browse the full collection at Blackwell’s to find your perfect expression.
