Single Malt USA exists for the sole purpose of supporting, promoting, and expanding the burgeoning American single-malt marketplace. America is and has always been an innovator, and whisky is no exception. Although Bourbon and rye are traditionally “America’s” whiskeys, we have a love for, and historical connection to malt whiskey. Barley was long been a grain relegated to beer and cereal production in the USA, and despite its deep historical roots in Ireland and Scotland, it was just a matter of time until we put our minds and hearts into malt whisky.
Our Executive Director, Steve Kirwan, is a published freelance writer, whiskey critic, industry influencer, and all-around good guy!. His interest in Scotch and Irish whiskeys instilled respect and love for the product, its history and lore, and its liquid poetry. Coupled with his staunch support of American ingenuity, supporting American single-malts is a natural evolution.
Just as Steve’s industry blog www.WhiskeyTrends.com does for Scotch and Irish whiskey, Single Malt USA provides extensive insight into the American single-malt market. We invite you to visit, enjoy, and participate on a regular basis, and to help us make American single-malts the envy of the genre!
ABOUT STEVE KIRWAN
“The Whiskey Guy”
Writer, editor, whiskey lover, problem solver, and rapport builder, Steve Kirwan is a modern-day “renaissance man.” He has reviewed whiskey and wine since the late 1980s, both as a freelance writer and for his blogs. The smashing success of his original blog, “The Wine Journal” (www.WineJournal.com), culminated in a sale to the Wall Street Journal (who continued to publish the website several years after).
Steve continued his writing and reviewing interest by creating several new related blogs- ScotchDrinkers.com and Winelove.com. Like “The Wine Journal,” these new sites expanded exponentially, and Steve also sold these websites, one to an Australian wine writer, and the other to a whiskey distribution company. In 2007, Steve once more delved into the world of wine and scotch, creating The Scotch Report, The Wine Tasting Coach, and Winery Magazine (an industry-insider online news magazine). And, as with his previous endeavors, each of these eventually sold to industry insiders.
In 2012, Steve resurrected the defunct American Screenwriters Association, a U.S.-based international organization tasked with educating and assisting emerging screenwriters, playwrights, indy filmmakers, and producers. Steve still manages “ASA” today, curating and writing useful articles, and providing educational opportunities and other valuable services to new and upcoming screenwriters. (www.AmericanScreenwriters.com).
In January of 2020, Steve reignited his interest in writing about whiskey. Given his depth and breadth of knowledge of Scotch and Irish whiskeys, coupled with his technology background and photography skills, Whiskey Trends, and then Single Malt USA seemed logical next steps.
Fortunately, there has never been a better time to appreciate whiskey. The wide array of choices demands a seasoned guide, and Steve is ideally poised to take on that mantle. He will help lead you through the forest of opportunities, provide you with tools to enhance your understanding and appreciation, and above all, keep you entertained!
SLAINTE!