As American single malt whiskey continues to evolve—following its official recognition by the TTB—many distillers are looking to bring new drinkers into the fold. With clear regulations and geographical protection, craft producers now have the confidence to push boundaries and establish ASM as a key player in the American whiskey scene. But with all this growth, where do you begin?
The category can feel overwhelming at first, but luckily, several standout producers have created fantastic entry-level expressions that make discovering American single malt both easy and enjoyable. These are my top recommendations for beginner American single malts, offering a great starting point for anyone looking to explore this exciting style.
Stranahan’s Original American Single Malt
BUY NOW: $51
Stranahan’s is a true pioneer of American single malt whiskey. Founded in 2004 in Denver, Colorado, it was one of the first U.S. distilleries to focus entirely on the style. Stranahan’s Rocky Mountain Single Malt, launched in 2006, remains the heart of their lineup, made from 100% malted barley grown in Colorado and aged for at least four years in #3 char new American oak barrels. Each bottle contains a blend of whiskey aged between 4 and 7 years and is bottled at 47% ABV.
Much like bourbon, the new charred oak maturation brings out deep notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak, while layers of chocolate, spiced pear, brown sugar, cayenne, and tobacco add complexity. It has a dense, oily mouthfeel, coating the palate and delivering a long, flavorful finish.
As one of the original American single malts, Stranahan’s has earned its place as a classic, with nearly two decades of acclaim. The bourbon-like oak influence makes it an easy transition for bourbon lovers, while its bold malt character introduces something new and exciting to explore.
Westward Whiskey American Single Malt
BUY NOW: $67
If you’re looking for a beginner American single malt that’s rich, layered, and easy to get into, Westward Whiskey Original is a great place to start. Westward, based in Portland, Oregon, has been pushing the boundaries of American single malt since 2004, crafting whiskey with a deep respect for brewing and distilling traditions.
What makes this one stand out is the use of locally grown, two-row malted barley and craft ale yeast, which gives it a subtle malty sweetness and a smooth, fruit-forward character. Aged in new, heavily toasted, lightly charred American oak barrels, it picks up warm notes of vanilla, caramel, and toffee, while the stone fruit, honey, and coconut on the palate keep it approachable and easy to sip. It’s bottled at 45% ABV, so there’s plenty of depth without it being overpowering.
The aging process benefits from Oregon’s wild climate shifts, which help the whiskey develop beautifully balanced flavors. Whether you’re a bourbon drinker curious about single malts or just starting your whiskey journey, Westward Original is an inviting, well-rounded choice that’s hard not to love.
Jack Daniel’s American Single Malt Oloroso Sherry Cask
BUY NOW: $131
A brand that needs no introduction—but its American single malt just might. Jack Daniel’s, long celebrated for its smooth, mellow Tennessee whiskey, stepped into the American single malt scene in 2022, with this travel retail exclusive following in 2023.
As with all JD whiskeys, this single malt undergoes maple charcoal filtering, ensuring its signature smoothness. It’s initially matured for around five years in first-fill American oak barrels, then finished for an additional two to three years in Oloroso sherry casks, giving it added depth before being bottled at 45% ABV.
Now, if the idea of a Jack Daniel’s single malt raises an eyebrow, think again. The brand has managed to craft a whiskey that’s distinctly a single malt while still carrying that unmistakable JD DNA. If you’re a Jack fan, this is an easy, approachable way to explore the world of American single malts.
It’s smooth, layered, and easy-drinking, with unfolding notes of malt, vanilla, caramel, strawberries, oak, and a hint of coffee—making it a fantastic entry point into the category. This was a travel retail exclusive, but you can find a bottle at retail by clicking the link above.
Westland Whiskey Wine Cask Finish
BUY NOW: $70
A wine-cask-finished single malt might sound a little intimidating, but Westland’s Wine Cask Finish is proof that it can be both approachable and seriously enjoyable. This limited-edition American single malt is rich and full, but never overwhelming—making it a great option for those new to the category.
The whiskey starts with a five-year maturation in a mix of new American oak and first-fill bourbon barrels, giving it a solid base of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. From there, it’s finished in Tempranillo, Washington red blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot casks, layering in soft red fruit, spice, raspberries, floral notes, and dark chocolate. Bottled at 46% ABV, it’s smooth, sippable, and well-balanced, with just the right amount of richness.
If you’re curious about American single malt but want something with a fruit-forward twist, this is a fantastic place to start. The wine cask influence adds depth without overpowering the whiskey, making it one of the easiest-drinking finished malts out there.
Yellowstone American Single Malt
BUY NOW: $47
If you’re a bourbon drinker looking to dip your toes into American single malt, Yellowstone American Single Malt is the perfect bridge between the two worlds. The first single malt from Limestone Branch Distillery, the brand behind Yellowstone Bourbon, this whiskey feels like a bourbon-single malt hybrid in the best way possible.
Made from 100% malted barley and aged four years in new charred American oak, it brings the familiar warmth of caramel and vanilla but balances it with stone fruits like peaches and dates, honey, digestive biscuits, and a hint of banana. The result is rich and smooth, with just enough depth to keep things interesting while remaining incredibly approachable.
At its core, this is a whiskey built for bourbon lovers—easy-drinking, flavorful, and a great introduction to the American single malt category. If you’re curious but don’t want to stray too far from what you love, Yellowstone American Single Malt is a fantastic beginner American single malt.
