The American Single Malt Whiskey category has been growing in the US for more than a decade. Distillers across the country have been working with industry groups and the TTB to establish standards of identity for this new category for many years and that day officially arrived on December 18, 2024, when the TTB released its final ruling. With the new definition in place this category is ready to take off.
One of the distillers that has been honing its American Single Malt Whiskey making skills for nearly a decade is Southern Distilling Company in Statesville, North Carolina.
“We support more than 140 clients globally today,” said Vienna Barger, Co-Founder and COO of Southern Distilling Company. “We are thrilled to hear the recent landmark ruling from TTB establishing the new official American Single Malt Whiskey category.”
Stay Informed: Sign up here for the Distillery Trail free email newsletter and be the first to get all the latest news, trends, job listings and events in your inbox.
“We have been laying down American Single Malt Whiskey for client projects from our beginnings. Base malt whiskey (100% distiller’s malt), Character malts (cherrywood, peated, etc.), various malted barley mash bills (one of my favorites was 80% distiller’s malt, 10% pilsen malt, 10% caramel malt.). We have filled both new charred and single use cooperage.
“We have samples available of those older inventories, which have been very well received by many, including Nancy Fraley, Terry Thome, and others. However, all of those older barrel stocks are already claimed. We do not have any straight product available for purchase currently, but we can start producing and aging immediately.
“We have been laying down new American single malt whiskey inventory in 2024, and are currently seeking new projects, whether for new make distillate in tankers or full-service custom distillation, barreling, and aging. We are a stable partner, with proven results, who can run this new category at scale,” said Barger.
The state-of-the-art fermentation and distillation system at Southern Distilling Company is optimally designed for single malt whiskey production at scale. The distillery can produce and age more than 20,000 barrels annually, with proven results from base malt and character malt runs for multiple client products.
“Since we established the company in 2013, we have always embraced both heritage and innovation,” added Pete Barger, Co-Founder and CEO of Southern Distilling Company. “I can’t think of a better way to do that than opening our doors to many more American Single Malt Whiskey clients across the country and to our international partners.”
Southern Distilling Company, home to a 20-acre campus with a state-of-the-art 36,000-square-foot distillery and rickhouses, is taking immediate orders for 2025 new fill American Single Malt Whiskey, Bourbon, Rye and American Whiskey. Sample kits are available for interested parties. As an established contract distiller, the company enjoys partnering with non-producing brand owners and investors, in addition to other distilleries, both large and small.
Southern Distilling Company has reignited North Carolina’s distilling tradition while embracing the innovation of America’s craft spirits industry. Before Prohibition, Statesville was known as the “Liquor Capital of the World.”
Southern Distilling Company has grown to become one of the country’s largest privately owned distilleries since being co-founded by Pete and Vienna Barger in 2013. It offers a diverse range of standard and custom new fill whiskeys, extensive aged barrel inventory, warehouse barrel storage, private label production, and co-packing for more than 140 brands globally.
Southern Distilling Company supports sustainability and regenerative agriculture processes and sources quality grains from farms within 20 miles of its facility. It also produces Southern Star bourbons and rye whiskeys—its own line of award-winning artisan spirits. The distillery, located along Interstate 77 near the I-40 interchange, is open for tours, tastings, cocktails, and bottle sales. It also hosts public events and experiences throughout the year.
Learn more about Southern Distilling Company.
View all North Carolina Distilleries.
View all U.S. Distilleries.
View all Bulk Spirits, Contract Distillation & Co-Packaging Providers.
Please help to support Distillery Trail. Sign up for our Newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
