Limestone Branch Increases American Single Malt Whiskey Exports to UK

14 Jan

Kentucky based Limestone Branch, has announced that it is increasing exports to the UK and Europe by 22% - ahead of the official recognition of the American Single Malt Whiskey category on Jan 19.

The distillery, which is part of Luxco’s branded portfolio, is shipping extra bottles of its Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey (54% ABV) throughout January to meet growing consumer demand, following a December ruling by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

Limestone Branch Distillery, released Yellowstone Single Malt Whiskey in February 2023. It complies with TTB standards for the newly established American Single Malt Whiskey category, including:

A whiskey must be made from a fermented mash of 100% malted barley produced in the US
It must have a distillation proof of 160 (80% ABV) or less
An American Single Malt Whiskey must be distilled at the same distillery in the US and the whiskey must be stored in used, charred new, or uncharred new oak barrels, with a 700-litre maximum capacity and only stored in the US
No neutral spirits permitted; and no allowable colouring, flavouring, or blending materials permitted except caramel colouring that must be disclosed on the label
A straight American Single Malt Whiskey must be aged for a minimum of two years.

Commenting on the news, Stephen Beam, Master Distiller at Limestone Branch Distillery, said:

“American Single Malt Whiskey being recognised as a category will accelerate innovation and quality standards. The TTB’s official provisions provide a positive framework for raising benchmarks and the ruling signals a new era for growing the category’s popularity in well-established single malt whisky markets such as the UK, Germany, Italy and France."

He went onto say:

“This official designation isn’t about pitching American Single Malts against Scottish counterparts, or single malts from any other country for that matter. It’s about appreciating another chapter in America’s rich history of whiskey making and I think many people who are new to the category will be pleasantly surprised by what they find.”

Tasting Notes:

Yellowstone American Single Malt, is made from 100% malted barley and aged for four years in new charred American Oak barrels.

Nose: cereal malt and honey,
Taste: a sweet, medium body that carries notes of honey, pear, stone fruit and dates.
Finish: notes of oak, with hints of cinnamon and English walnuts.

54% ABV/108 proof

Limestone Branch Distillery, represents seven generations of distilling experience and its current Master Distiller Stephen Beam a descendant of the legendary Beam and Dant whiskey families. Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey is a unique departure from the distillery’s flagship bourbon, Yellowstone Select, which features a blend of four-year-old and seven-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons, each chosen to provide a taste that celebrates the family’s deep distilling roots.

Yellowstone American Single Malt, is now available from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £65.00 / $54.99 USD.