Judson & Moore Single Malt 750ML

Judson & Moore Single Malt 750ML is a 47% ABV (94 proof) American single malt whiskey distilled in Chicago, Illinois, from a mashbill of applewood smoked and unsmoked malted barley. This expression earned a Silver medal at the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards and a Silver from the American Craft Spirits Association in 2022, establishing it as a credible entry in the growing American single malt category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 Proof)  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA  |  American Single Malt  |  Distillery: Judson & Moore

Production & Heritage

Judson & Moore distills this single malt in Chicago using a mashbill of 65% smoked malted barley and 35% standard malted barley. What distinguishes the whiskey from most other American single malts is the source of its smoke character: midwestern applewood smoked malt, rather than the peat-smoked barley common in Scotch-inspired expressions. The result is a softer, fruit-tinged smokiness that sets it apart from both Islay-style peat bombs and the clean, unsmoked profiles typical of many domestic single malts.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a refreshing mintiness and a clear vanilla sweetness. Underneath, there is a subtle applewood smoke presence and a bright citrus lift that keeps things lively.

Taste: On entry, generous lemon and vanilla notes lead the way, transitioning into dry oak and woody spice at mid-palate. The smoke is restrained and elegant — present but never dominating — while a rich, well-balanced sweetness keeps the 94-proof heat in proportion.

Finish: The finish is lingering and moderately dry, with light vanilla and toasted wood fading gradually. A faint smoky warmth stays on the palate, inviting the next sip.

How to Drink Judson & Moore Single Malt

Neat or with a few drops of water is the most rewarding approach; a small dilution opens up the applewood smoke and brings the citrus notes forward. At 94 proof, it also holds its own over a single large ice cube without losing structure.

• Penicillin: The applewood smoke stands in naturally for a peated Scotch float, adding an American twist to this modern classic.
• Whiskey Sour: The lemon and vanilla character in the spirit amplifies fresh citrus juice and simple syrup without clashing.
• Rob Roy: Dry oak and subtle smoke pair well with sweet vermouth, producing a complex, slightly rustic variation.

Best For

• Introducing a Scotch drinker to the American single malt category
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values unique grain-to-glass production
• Building a home bar focused on emerging American craft distilleries
• Pairing alongside a smoked meat or charcuterie dinner course

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Judson & Moore Single Malt taste like? It delivers a balanced combination of vanilla, lemon, and dry oak with a subtle applewood smoke thread running throughout. The 94-proof strength carries moderate warmth but remains approachable thanks to an underlying sweetness.

How does Judson & Moore Single Malt compare to Westland American Single Malt? Both are American single malts, but Westland, founded in Seattle in 2010, relies on a range of malt types including peated barley for its flagship expression, while Judson & Moore uses midwestern applewood smoked malt for a distinctly fruit-tinged smoke character. Westland is generally considered a benchmark in the category; Judson & Moore offers a more regionally specific Chicago perspective with a lighter smoke profile.

Is Judson & Moore Single Malt good for sipping neat? Yes — at 47% ABV it has enough body and complexity for neat drinking, and the applewood smoke adds an interesting layer without overwhelming the palate. A splash of water can help open up additional citrus and vanilla nuances.

Where is Judson & Moore Single Malt made? It is distilled by Judson & Moore in Chicago, Illinois. The distillery sources midwestern applewood smoked malt, tying the whiskey's character directly to its regional grain supply.

What foods pair well with Judson & Moore Single Malt? Applewood-smoked bacon or pork belly echoes the whiskey's signature smoke. Aged cheddar or Gruyère complements the dry oak notes. Smoked salmon plays well with the subtle fruit and malt sweetness. Lemon tart or crème brûlée mirrors the citrus and vanilla found in the spirit. Dark chocolate with a hint of sea salt balances the whiskey's warmth and sweetness.

What sizes does Judson & Moore Single Malt come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Judson & Moore Single Malt worth the price? It positions as a craft-tier American single malt, priced in line with other small-batch domestic single malts. The dual Silver medals from the American Craft Spirits Association and Bartender Spirits Awards support its quality-to-value proposition within that segment.

Why Judson & Moore Single Malt?

The defining feature here is the midwestern applewood smoked malt — a production choice almost no other American single malt distillery is making. Where many craft producers look to Scotland for smoke inspiration and reach for peat, Judson & Moore leans into its Illinois roots with a locally sourced, fruit-forward smoke grain that produces a genuinely different flavor profile. Back-to-back Silver awards in 2022 and 2024 from two separate judging panels confirm that the approach translates into a competitive finished product. For drinkers exploring the American single malt landscape, this is one of the more distinctive bottles currently available.