We Just Made American Single Malt History

To everyone who helped us make history,

Eight years ago, myself and the other eight American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) founders met to establish a definition for American Single Malt that we could unite behind and advocate for. I have had the honor of serving on the ASMWC board as Vice President, and the recent ratification of American Single Malt Whisky as an official category is a landmark moment for us and American whisky. Making Single Malt Whisky is the very reason Balcones exists. The drive to embark on this journey to see what single malt made here in Waco, Texas could be started with a love for old world single malts. It is a long and rich conversation we wanted to contribute to, with a unique voice and partnered with a unique place. Here was a chance to create something truly new, and learn more about ourselves and this place in the process.

And now, for the first time in over 52 years, the U.S. Government is adding a new type of whisky to its regulations. Effective January 19th, 2025, TTB officially enacted the new Standard of Identity to Part 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations that clearly defines the category and protects its producers and their products. That definition stipulates that American Single Malt adhere to the following production standards:

• Made from 100% malted barley
• Distilled entirely at one distillery
• Mashed, distilled and matured in the U.S.
• Matured in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 liters
• Distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume)
• Bottled at 80 (U.S.) proof or more (40% Alcohol by volume)

Ratification of the category allows drinkers to know what they are enjoying, creates a consistent set of standards that adds clarity and specificity to what American Single Malt is. Distillers have agreed upon guidelines that will direct all the creativity, exploration and innovation American Single Malt is known for.

There will be much more work to do to educate drinkers, distributors, bartenders and liquor stores on this exciting and growing category going forward. Now we get to focus our energy toward growing the support and awareness around this category that we love and believe in, bringing these excellent and meaningful whiskies to more people all around the world.

We are taking a moment to celebrate, to slow down and reflect on this and the success we’ve enjoyed over the last 15 years. We are more excited than ever to lean into making single malt in this place, and keep pushing the category forward with creativity, curiosity and presence. Thank you for allowing us to spend our time and energy in such a beautiful pursuit.

Cheers to American Single Malt

Jared Himstedt