America’s Best Single Malt: Root Shoot

American Single Malt Whiskey

If you appreciate craft spirits, you’ll want to know about Root Shoot Spirits. This small, family-run distillery from Colorado just won American Single Malt Whiskey of the Year last season at the London Spirits Competition—a major victory in a space typically dominated by big-name brands. For those of you who value authenticity over flash, this win is a reminder that small-batch producers still have plenty to say.

Root Shoot Spirits: More Than a Label
Located in Loveland, Colorado, Root Shoot is a farm-to-bottle distillery that does it all—from growing their own grains to distilling and aging the spirit. They’re not outsourcing. They’re not cutting corners. Every sip of their whiskey reflects local soil, sustainable practices, and generations of family commitment.

The result? A rich, well-structured single malt that speaks volumes without needing mass marketing. For anyone paying attention to sustainable whiskey production or following the rise of grain-to-glass distilleries, Root Shoot is leading by example.

Why the Award Actually Means Something
The London Spirits Competition isn’t your average tasting contest. Entries are judged not only on flavor but also on presentation and overall value. That’s why Root Shoot’s win matters—it wasn’t just the best-tasting whiskey. It also stood out for being thoughtfully crafted and fairly priced.

And beyond the personal win for the distillery, it’s a big moment for American single malt whiskey as a whole. Still flying under the radar for many, this style has been carving out its place beside bourbon and rye. Root Shoot’s success helps push it into the spotlight, giving more people a reason to explore a category that’s quietly evolving.

The Root Shoot Spirits

What Sets This Whiskey Apart
This isn’t a generic bottle with a good story slapped on. Root Shoot’s single malt is smooth, expressive, and layered—with warm flavors like toasted grain, subtle caramel, and hints of fresh orchard fruit. The kind of pour you could bring out for guests or sip solo on a quiet evening.

And what goes into the bottle is just as impressive. Every grain is grown on their fifth-generation family farm. Small batches are distilled using a custom copper pot still. It’s thoughtful. It’s personal. It’s the definition of craft whiskey from Colorado, and it’s proof that quality still matters more than hype.

American Single Malt Gets Its Moment
American single malt is finally getting the recognition it deserves. While the rules around what defines the category are still being hammered out, producers like Root Shoot are setting the standard. Their work bridges American creativity with traditional whisky values, and the result is a style that feels both familiar and fresh.

With more drinkers now chasing bottles with a story and a soul, the demand for small-batch whiskey and local grain expressions is rising. Root Shoot’s big win shows that this shift isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement.

Planning a Taste? Here’s Where to Go
If you want to try Root Shoot’s whiskey yourself, you can head to their tasting room in Colorado. It’s more than just a place to sample spirits—it’s a look behind the scenes at how thoughtful whiskey gets made.

And if you can’t make the trip, keep an eye out online or in boutique spirits shops. Just be quick—bottles tend to go fast after a major award win. For anyone into craft beverage tourism or building out their lifestyle experiences with meaningful flavors, this distillery belongs on your radar.

Final Pour
Root Shoot Spirits didn’t just win a title—they reminded the industry that real craftsmanship still counts. Their award-winning whiskey puts Colorado on the global map and gives American single malt a well-earned moment in the sun.

So whether you’re planning your next whiskey tasting trip, expanding your collection, or just looking for a new favorite bottle, keep an eye on Root Shoot. Some of the best spirits out there don’t come from giant distilleries—they come from places that care deeply about every step of the journey.