The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC) was formed in 2016 in response to 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.
Helping to drive the American Single Malt Whiskey category is Deerhammer Distillery in Buena Vista, Colorado. Deerhammer's cornerstone contribution to the field of American craft spirits, Single Malt Whiskey, has become the company's flagship product.
“The various styles of whiskey being produced in this country are already so much broader than the historic bourbon and rye whiskies that we’re most known for,” says Deerhammer owner Lenny Eckstein. “With so many distilleries here in the US already producing an American Single Malt Whiskey, I think it’s important that the standards for the style be recognized so that consumers know why Deerhammer American single malt is different than offerings already coming from other countries - Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and India to name a few.”
MORE DETAILS
Established in 2016, ASMWC serves to establish, promote and protect the category of Single Malt Whiskey. It defines Single Malt Whiskey as spirit made from 100 percent malted barley; distilled entirely at one distillery; mashed, distilled, and matured in the United States of America; matured in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 liters; distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80 percent ABV); and bottled at 80 (U.S.) proof or more (40 percent ABV). Find ASMWC online at americansinglemaltwhiskey.org.
Deerhammer is one of ASMWC's more than 50 member producers in the United States. Beginning its life as porter-style malted barley whiskey, Deerhammer's Single Malt is shaped by open-air fermentation and double distillation through direct-fire copper pot stills. It is aged in charred virgin white oak casks for at least two years in Buena Vista's high alpine climate that maximizes the flavor potential of the mash, due to dramatic temperature shifts that can range from 40-80° in a single day. The result is a complex whiskey with notes of sweet coffee, cacao, caramel and spices.
If you would like more information about Deerhammer Distillery or The American Single Malt Whiskey Commission please contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT DEERHAMMER DISTILLING
Steeped in Tradition. Crafted in Colorado.
Amy and Lenny Eckstein founded Deerhammer in 2010. Drawn to Buena Vista, Colorado by the whitewater currents of the Arkansas River, their passion for whiskey is driven by that same adventurous spirit. As artisans and business owners, Amy and Lenny’s process is defined by a deep curiosity for the history of spirits and a thoughtful analysis of each individual step of the distilling process. Find the distillery online at deerhammer.com.