Full Speed Ahead
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Starting today, American Single Malt Whiskey is now a thing. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has made it official. Under the new rule, a liquor can only be legally defined as an American single malt whiskey if it’s made from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley produced in the U.S., is produced at a distillation proof of 160 or less, is done so at the same distillery, and is stored in specific types of oak barrels with a maximum capacity of 700 liters. The rule, unfortunately, also allows the use of caramel coloring if it’s disclosed on the label.
I have no idea why the "160 or less" proof was added to the definition. Going over that proof in the distillation process is fairly common - they've added an arbitrary rule to the process. I also think the 700 liter size is too large, as that is something that directly impacts the final product - smaller barrels gives you a better product.
I have no idea why the "160 or less" proof was added to the definition. Going over that proof in the distillation process is fairly common - they've added an arbitrary rule to the process. I also think the 700 liter size is too large, as that is something that directly impacts the final product - smaller barrels gives you a better product.