american single malt whisky is at the core of what we do. learn about our most unique offering.
Pot Stills Build Character.
Column Stills Strip it away.
When it comes to crafting American Single Malt whisky, the choice of still plays a pivotal role in defining the character and complexity of the final spirit. At American Custom Distilling, we remain dedicated to the traditional use of copper pot stills, a method long associated with single malt production worldwide. This approach is not only about honoring heritage; it’s about delivering the distinctive depth and richness that single malt customers expect.
why copper pot distillation
for american single malt?
The Congener Advantage
Copper pot stills are designed to encourage the formation and retention of congeners — the compounds responsible for providing whisky with its rich flavors, aromas, and mouthfeel. While column stills are engineered for efficiency and high-proof distillation, they tend to strip away many of these desirable congeners in the process. In contrast, pot stills embrace these complex compounds, resulting in a spirit with greater texture, body, and character.
The art of distillation in copper pot stills is inherently less efficient, but that inefficiency is precisely where the magic lies. The slower, batch-oriented process allows for greater control over the separation of alcohols, enhancing the desirable flavor compounds and ensuring a more robust, full-bodied spirit.
Meeting Consumer Expectations
Consumers of American Single Malt whisky are not only seeking something unique within the broader American whisky landscape; they are also expecting a drinking experience that aligns with what single malts have historically delivered. This includes a complex, layered profile enhanced by aging in used barrels — a tradition shared with the classic Scotch whisky production model. This style of maturation allows for a nuanced, subtle interplay between spirit and wood, rather than the dominant oak-forward profile more commonly found in bourbon and other new-oak aged American whiskies.
By distilling in copper pot stills and embracing the art of traditional maturation, we’re providing consumers with the flavor experience they are searching for — one marked by sophistication, balance, and a robust sense of place. It’s about staying true to the essence of American Single Malt whisky, while also allowing room for creativity and innovation.
Copper Pot Distilled AMERICAN SINGLE MALT whisky, MADE IN THE blue ridge MOUNTAINS.
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Milling & Mashing:
We mill high-quality 2-row pale malt barley, optimized for maximum starch extraction and fermentation efficiency. Each mash produces approximately 10,000 liters (2,600 gallons) of wort in a stainless steel mashtun.
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Fermentation:
Our facility includes 10,000-liter fermenters that use carefully controlled yeast strains to produce a wash with approximately 8% ABV, emphasizing sweet and fruity flavor profiles.
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copper pot Distillation:
We use two hand-crafted 10,000-liter copper pot stills. The distillation process results in precise cuts for high-quality low wines and spirit hearts at 70-78% ABV.
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Aging:
Spirits are barreled at 62.5% ABV and aged on-site in various barrel types, including bourbon, cuvée, and sherry casks. Maturation takes advantage of Virginia’s climate for unique flavor development, with a minimum aging period of four years.
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Bottling:
We can handle bottling on-site, with scalable output to meet project-specific requirements. From 50ml bottles to larger format, our team can take your bottling needs and offer best-in-class bottling solutions.
