American Single Malt Whiskey Joins Our Permanent Lineup
Litchfield Distillery is proud to announce that our American Single Malt Whiskey—crafted from 100% Connecticut-grown malted barley sourced from Thrall Family Farm—will now be part of our permanent lineup. While we’ve released a handful of single-barrel American Single Malt expressions in the past, this new addition represents an exciting evolution for our portfolio and a significant milestone for American craft whiskey as a whole.
A Landmark Moment for American Whiskey
For the first time in more than half a century, the U.S. government has officially recognized a new whiskey category. On December 18, 2024, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) formally added American Single Malt Whiskey to its Standards of Identity, with the regulation taking effect January 19, 2025. This landmark ruling brings long-overdue recognition and clarity to one of the most popular whiskey styles in the world.
Long before the ruling, Litchfield Distillery was bullish on the potential of American Single Malt. Believing it would become a defining category for U.S. whiskey, the distillery began resting barrels over four years ago. Today, Litchfield has a robust collection of American Single Malt barrels quietly aging in Connecticut’s largest rickhouse—each developing its own rich character and complexity as it matures.
Under the new federal definition, American Single Malt Whiskey must:
- – Be made from 100% malted barley
- – Be distilled entirely at one distillery
- – Be mashed, distilled, and matured in the United States
- – Be matured in white oak casks not exceeding 700 liters
- – Be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV)
- – Be bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) or higher
As Steve Hawley, President of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, put it:
“This is a landmark ruling and validation for years’ worth of work by American distillers to define American Single Malt. It ensures that consumers worldwide can have every confidence that what they think is in a bottle of American Single Malt Whiskey actually is.”
Rooted in Connecticut Soil
Litchfield Distillery’s American Single Malt Whiskey is proudly distilled from 100% malted barley grown by Thrall Family Farm, one of America’s oldest continuously operated farms. Located in Windsor, Connecticut, the Thrall family traces its agricultural roots back to 1646, making Spencer Thrall a 12th-generation farmer still tending the same soil his ancestors did nearly four centuries ago.
“We love working with the Thrall family,” said David Baker, co-founder of Litchfield Distillery. “Their commitment to quality and Connecticut agriculture perfectly mirrors our own. Partnering with them allows us to craft a whiskey that’s not just locally made, it’s authentically tied to the land and history of our state.”
Crafted with Care
Litchfield’s American Single Malt Whiskey is aged in #4 char American oak barrels and is currently bottled at 3 years and 92 proof. The result is a spirit that balances deep malt character and a rich oak influence. Expect notes of toasted grain, honey, caramel, and a touch of dark fruit, rounded out by a warm, cinnamon finish.
“From the moment we began distilling with Thrall barley, we knew we had something special,” added Baker. “The malt brings such depth and nuance to the whiskey. It’s full-bodied, but also refined and elegant. We couldn’t be more proud to see it become part of our core lineup.”
Jack Baker echoed the excitement, noting how the recognition of American Single Malt as an official category validates the hard work of small distilleries across the country.
“This ruling gives American distillers a seat at the global table,” he said. “We’ve long admired Scotch and Irish Single Malts, but what’s exciting now is that the U.S. has its own distinct version…one that reflects our grains, our climate, and our craftsmanship.”
A Spirit of Hard Work
Litchfield Distillery’s motto, “The Spirit of Hard Work®,” rings true in every drop of this whiskey. From the centuries-old Connecticut farmland that grows our barley to the careful craftsmanship inside our distillery, our American Single Malt Whiskey is a celebration of dedication, patience, and local pride.
“This whiskey represents a new chapter for us,” said David Baker. “It honors our Connecticut roots, embraces a new national standard, and invites whiskey lovers everywhere to taste the spirit of hard work that defines who we are.”
Availability
Litchfield Distillery American Single Malt Whiskey is now available for purchase at the Distillery Store and will ship to Connecticut retailers shortly. It will also be available soon through our online shipping program. We will update this blog as distribution progresses.
