Owning and operating a winery in the U.S. is both rewarding and fulfilling. Not only is owning a winery an opportunity to produce quality wines and to promote local industry,…
What is the TTB? The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, also known as the TTB, is a federal agency tasked with regulating and enforcing laws related to alcohol…
If you are planning to start a winery, brewery, or distillery in the United States, you will need to apply for and obtain a federal basic permit or brewer's notice from the TTB. Applying for a permit can be a complicated and tie consuming process, especially for folks who are not familiar with the permit application process. However, it is a necessary step to legally produce and bottle wine, beer, or distilled spirits in the United States. This article will outline some of the items that are generally needed to apply for an original TTB basic permit or brewer's notice.
What is a TTB COLA? The acronym COLA stands for Certificate of Label Approval. A COLA is a document issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“)…
Labeling of wines under 7% alcohol by volume can cause significant challenges for wineries, importers, and brand owners because the regulations governing these products are often unfamiliar territory. Traditional table wines and other vinous beverages with an alcohol content falling below 7% are subject to the labeling jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). The FDA's labeling regulations are found at 21 CFR Part 101.
Similar to alcohol-free wine, alcohol-free beer or alcohol-free malt beverages are increasingly becoming a go-to option for many consumers. As we visit more and more breweries and tap rooms, as well as restaurants and bars, it is not unusual to see an alcohol-free beer or malt beverage option. Whether guests wish to embrace an alcohol-free life or pursue "Dry January" or similar, alcohol-free beer and malt beverages are wonderful options for breweries and importers alike to expand their portfolios.
Alcohol-free wine is increasingly becoming a go-to option for many consumers. With some folks embracing an alcohol-free life or even a "Dry January," alcohol-free wine remains a great choice for many. It is no surprise that alcohol beverage companies are seeking to enter or expand their presence in this unique sector of the beverage alcohol industry.
TTB published a final rule on August 24th (with the same effective date) that updates federal regulations found at 27 CFR Part 24 for domestic winemaking. Generally speaking, the changes impact wines produced in the U.S. with respect to materials and processes authorized for the treatment of wine and of the juice from which wine is made.
In a recent notice of proposed rulemaking published by TTB in the Federal Register, the agency proposes to add a standard of identity for Single Malt Whiskey for distilled spirits. Presumably, if the rule is finalized, this would alter 27 CFR 5.143 to add an additional class/type to the whiskey class.
TTB also published a notice of proposed rulemaking with respect to labels of wine containing distilled spirits. Currently, most wine labels of fortified wine products are prohibited from mentioning that the wine contains distilled spirits.
Firm Blog
News on TTB, FDA, and state rules that affect wine, beer, spirits, and food businesses, from Lindsey Zahn P.C.