There is something quietly compelling about the American single malt movement, and Kings County has positioned itself firmly within that conversation. Their Single Malt Whiskey, bottled at a confident 47% ABV, arrives without an age statement — a decision that, in the right hands, speaks more to the blender's craft than to any shortcut. At £85.95, it sits in a bracket where expectations are rightly high, and I approached this bottle with genuine curiosity about what it would deliver.
Kings County operates in a space that continues to challenge assumptions about where serious single malt can come from. The American single malt category has no single rulebook yet, which gives producers both freedom and the burden of proving themselves against established traditions. What matters is whether the liquid in the glass justifies the price on the shelf. In this case, I believe it does — with a few caveats worth noting.
At 47%, this sits at a strength that suggests the producers want you to taste the whisky, not just the alcohol. It is not cask strength, but it has enough backbone to reward patience. This is not a timid dram. The non-chill filtered character common to craft American single malts at this strength typically allows more of the grain's personality to come through, and Kings County appears to have leaned into that philosophy.
Tasting Notes
I will be updating this section with full tasting notes in due course. What I can say is that the American single malt style at this ABV and price point typically delivers a richer, more cereal-forward profile than you might expect from its Scottish cousins. Expect the malted barley to do the talking here, with the American oak influence likely adding its own signature warmth. This is a whisky that rewards attention rather than casual sipping.
The Verdict
Kings County Single Malt earns a 7.6 out of 10 from me. It is a well-constructed whisky that demonstrates real ambition within the American single malt category. The 47% bottling strength is a smart choice — it shows confidence in the spirit without veering into proof-point showmanship. The NAS designation may give some pause, but I would encourage drinkers to judge this on what is in the glass rather than what is absent from the label.
At £85.95, you are paying a premium that reflects both the craft nature of the production and the relative scarcity of quality American single malts in the UK market. Is it competing directly with a well-aged Speyside at the same price? Not quite — but it is not trying to. This is a whisky with its own identity, and that counts for something. If you are curious about where American single malt is heading, this bottle makes a persuasive argument.
Best Served
Pour this neat in a Glencairn and give it five minutes to open up. If you find the 47% a touch assertive on first approach, a few drops of cool water will soften things without losing structure. I would also suggest this as an excellent candidate for a simple Highball — good soda water, a large ice cube, and a lemon twist. The malt character at this strength holds its own against dilution remarkably well, making it a versatile bottle for both contemplative evenings and more social occasions.
