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TTB Issues Final Standard for American Single Malt Whiskey
After more than seven years of lobbying, the Treasury Department’s Tax & Trade Bureau has finally issued a formal “standard of identity” for American Single Malt whiskies. The rule will be published in the Federal Register next Wednesday (December 18), and take effect on January 19, 2025.
In essence, the industry members that make up the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission got exactly what they were hoping for in a final rule, including the ability to mature whisky in either new or used barrels.
“We applaud TTB for hearing the call from distillers, purveyors and fans of American Single Malt, and formalizing a definition that supports and protects our producers both here and abroad. It’s a momentous day for American Single Malt Whiskey, and this is just the beginning of a bright future for the category,” said ASMWC executive director Steve Hawley in a statement.
Nearly 200 distillers have already started laying down stocks of American Single Malt, from craft distillers to some of the nation’s largest distilleries.
While the rule sets no minimum age for American Single Malt whiskies, it does create a category for “straight” American Single Malts that have been matured for at least two years.
This story will be updated with additional information.
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