TasteProfile | Your Bourbon Journey

May 12, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

American single malt whiskey is a fast-growing category in the United States. According to a 2022 Forbes article, more than 100 distilleries were producing over 200 American single malt expressions. The numbers of distilleries in now over 130. This brief note explores some of the requirements for this spirit category.

American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC)

The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) was formed in 2016 to address the growing need for American-based producers to define the category—both domestically and internationally—in order to protect, educate, promote and ultimately grow it. The ASMWC has been instrumental in getting this spirit category an identity as well as proposed standards.

The ASMWC has a terrific Press Page if you have an interest in reading related articles.

American Single Malt Whiskey Requirements

July 29, 2022 – In response to requests and petitions, specifically from the ASMWC, the TTB proposed establishing a specific standard of identity for American single malt whisky. From the Federal Register, there was a notice of proposed rule making and the following summary:

“The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to amend the regulations that set forth the standards of identity for distilled spirits to include “American single malt whisky” as a type of whisky that is a distinctive product of the United States.”

Under the proposal, to be labeled American single malt whisky, the product must be:

1) Distilled entirely at one U.S. distillery
2) Must be mashed, distilled, aged in the United States
3) Must be sourced from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley
4) Have a distillation proof of 160° or less
5) Stored in oak barrels not exceeding 700 liters.

In addition, allowable coloring, flavoring, and blending materials would be permitted.

I hope that this brief note brought clarification regarding American Single Malt Whiskey.
Rebecca

04/14/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Canada produces more than 21 million cases of whisky each year. Popular brands in the US include Crown Royal, Black Velvet, and Canadian Club. This brief Spirit Note discusses Canadian Whisky requirements, mash bill, and production approaches. The taste profile and Canadian Whisky availability in the US is also reviewed.

Canadian Whisky Requirements

Production: It must be mashed, distilled, and aged entirely in Canada.

Grain: Despite its historical association with rye, Canadian whisky can be made from various cereal grains.

Aging: Whiskies must spend a minimum of three years in wooden barrels of 700 liters or less.

Alcohol content: They must contain at least 40% ABV.

Flavoring: Can contain caramel coloring or flavoring.

9.09% Rule: The 9.09% rule allows Canadian whisky producers to enhance their blends with up to 9.09% of non-whisky ingredients, provided they have been aged for two years in wood. This rule, stemming from a US tax incentive, has rarely been utilized. Despite criticism from competitors, most Canadian whisky remains pure, with the occasional addition of sherry instead of American spirits.

Mash Bill

Unlike American bourbons, Canadian whiskies do not typically use a mash bill containing multiple grains, but they are often a blend of lighter triple-distilled grain spirits and a smaller proportion of richer “flavoring” spirits. The amount of rye used in the blend influences the spiciness of the whisky, with more rye resulting in more pronounced spice notes.

Canadian whiskies are usually made by blending aged whiskies that are produced from individually fermented and distilled grains. These various grains, such as corn, rye, and barley, impart unique flavors and characteristics to the final blend.

Two Common Production Streams

Canadian whisky production utilizes two distinct streams: base whiskey, distilled to high alcohol and matured in used barrels to highlight wood-derived flavors, and flavoring whiskey, distilled to low alcohol and matured in new or new and used barrels to emphasize grain-derived congeners. While some distilleries produce only one base whiskey, others create multiple variations. The combination of these streams creates the characteristic elegance of Canadian whisky.

Canadian Whisky Taste Profile

Canadian whisky is characterized by its distinct flavors. It is typically lighter and sweeter than other whiskies, with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, nut, and fruit. These flavors are often complemented by hints of caramel or butterscotch, as well as spices. The higher distillation proofs and aging in used oak barrels contribute to its unique taste profile.

Top Canadian Whisky Producers

The top eight Canadian whisky producers (and their parent companies), which account for over 95% of production, are:

– Alberta Distillers/Beam Suntory
– Black Velvet/Heaven Hill
– Gimli & Valleyfield/Diageo
– Hiram Walker/Pernod Ricard
– Kittling Ridge/Campari Group
– Canadian Mist/Sazerac
– Highwood
– Valleyfield

Canada has experienced a surge in craft whisky production over the last decade, with the number of distilleries reaching nearly 300. These distilleries are experimenting with innovative styles that demonstrate the versatility and potential of Canadian whisky, offering a wider range of flavors and experiences for enthusiasts.

Popular Canadian Whisky Brands Available in the US

Canadian whisky, particularly Crown Royal, enjoys significant popularity in the US, with other brands such as Black Velvet, and Canadian Club.

Additional Canadian offerings include Confederation Oak Reserve, Pendleton, Caribou Crossing, Rare Perfection, and Alberta.

Crown Royal flavored profiles, such as apple, vanilla, and peach as well as limited edition salted caramel and blackberry are also very popular.

Many people might not realize that Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, owned by the Sazerac Company, is made with Canadian whisky.

I hope that this brief note brought clarification regarding Canadian Whisky.
Rebecca