Westland Distillery is thrilled to celebrate the official recognition of American Single Malt Whiskey as a designated category by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). This landmark decision represents a pivotal moment for the growing segment, solidifying its place within the world of whiskey.
As a pioneer in the American Single Malt Whiskey movement, Westland Distillery has long championed the category through its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The recognition marks a culmination of years of advocacy and effort by Westland and other distillers committed to establishing a unique identity for American Single Malt Whiskey on the global stage.
“This recognition is a significant step forward, not just for Westland but for the entire industry,” said says Jason Moore, Westland’s managing director. “. “We’re proud to have played a role in shaping this category and are excited about the opportunities it creates for producers and whiskey enthusiasts alike.”
This distillery remains at the forefront of the movement, showcasing the diverse potential of American Single Malt Whiskey through its use of locally sourced ingredients, innovative techniques, and a commitment to sustainability. The distillery continues to craft expressions that reflect the unique terroir of the Pacific Northwest, setting a benchmark for the category’s future.
With this official recognition, the distillery looks forward to further elevating the profile of American Single Malt Whiskey and sharing its story with whiskey lovers around the world.
About Westland Distillery
Founded in 2004 in Portland, Oregon, by former brewer and winemaker Christian Krogstad, Westward Whiskey (originally under House Spirits Distillery) emerged as a pioneer in the American single malt category during a time when craft distilleries were rare in the U.S. Drawing inspiration from the Pacific Northwest’s rich brewing culture, innovative spirit, and abundant local ingredients, Westward has grown into a leading voice for elevated American whiskey. The distillery’s grain-to-glass approach emphasizes quality Pacific Northwest two-row barley, slow fermentation with craft ale yeast, double pot distillation, and maturation in new, heavily toasted and lightly charred American oak barrels, resulting in bold, robust flavors that celebrate the region’s climate and craftsmanship.
The distillery[s core lineup showcases its commitment to peak flavor and innovation, starting with the flagship Westward Original American Single Malt—a balanced expression with notes of bright fruit, warm spice, and rich toasted oak. Higher-proof enthusiasts enjoy the Cask Strength variant, delivering intense baked fruit and spice straight from the barrel, while limited releases like the Stout Cask Finish (aged in ex-stout barrels from local brewers) add layers of chocolate, coffee, and dark malt. Special editions, including Pinot Noir cask finishes and the ambitious Milestone solera-aged series, further highlight their boundary-pushing style, earning acclaim in international competitions and positioning it as the pinnacle of American single malt whiskey.
Address: 65 SE Washington St, Portland, OR 97214
Website: https://westwardwhiskey.com
The legal definition of American Single Malt Whiskey
The legal definition of American Single Malt Whiskey (or Whisky) is established by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) through a final rule effective January 19, 2025. It recognizes “American single malt whisky” as a distinct type of whisky under the standards of identity in 27 CFR Part 5.
To qualify, the whiskey must meet the following criteria:
Made from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley.
Mashed, distilled at or below 160° proof, and aged entirely in the United States.
Distilled entirely at one U.S. distillery.
Stored in oak barrels (charred new, uncharred new, or used) with a maximum capacity of 700 liters.
Bottled at not less than 80° proof.
No addition of neutral spirits, flavorings, or blending materials (though caramel coloring is permitted if disclosed on the label).
Additionally, the term “Straight American Single Malt Whisky” may be used if the whiskey has been aged for at least two years. This definition provides official recognition and protection for the category, distinguishing it from other whiskies like bourbon or rye, while allowing flexibility in barrel types compared to Scotch single malt requirements.
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