Distilled Spirits

Planning to Sell Your Distillery? Legal Considerations to Address Early

The sale of a distillery is not a routine business transaction. It involves transferring a federally bonded operation, regulated production activities, valuable intellectual property, distribution relationships, and often significant real estate and equipment. Because distilled spirits are subject to strict federal and state oversight, regulatory strategy must be integrated into the deal from the outset. […]

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how to start a spirits distribution business

How to Start a Spirits Distribution Business

Starting a spirits distribution business in the United States involves more than securing suppliers and customers. Because distilled spirits are one of the most heavily regulated categories of alcohol, distributors must navigate a layered system of federal, state, and local licensing, as well as ongoing compliance obligations. At the federal level, most spirits distributors must

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what is a ttb federal basic distilled spirits plant permit

What is a TTB Federal Basic Distilled Spirits Plant Permit?

For businesses looking to produce, bottle, or store distilled spirits in the United States, one of the first and most critical steps is obtaining the proper federal authorization: a permit for a Distilled Spirits Plant (“DSP”). This permit, issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”), is required for most operations involving

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Should a Brand Owner have a Contract in Place with a Distilled Spirits Co-Packer or Contract Producer?

In the distilled spirits industry, collaboration between brand owners and contract producers (often called “co‑packers”) is common. Whether you are a brand owner looking to bring a new spirit to market without building your own facility, or a co‑packer producing spirits on behalf of others, one thing is critical: having a well‑drafted contract in place.

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What is Distilled Spirits Co-Packing or Contract Production?

As more brands enter the spirits marketplace, many are turning to contract producers—also known as co-packers or co-manufacturers—to help manufacture their products. Co-packing can be an efficient and cost-effective way to get a distilled spirits product to market without building a facility or investing in your own equipment. But this increasingly popular model also involves

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Am I required to Obtain a TTB Permit as a Spirits Brand Owner?

Embarking on the spirits business is an exciting yet challenging endeavor that requires strict regulatory compliance. One of the most common questions we receive from industry members is: Should a company apply for an Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”)  permit as a spirits brand owner? The answer depends on your business model

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What the FDA Regulates vs. What the TTB Regulates: Key Differences for Alcohol Producers

For alcohol producers, understanding the roles of the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) is critical. While both agencies play a part in ensuring the safety, quality, and labeling of alcohol beverage products, their areas of oversight differ. The FDA primarily regulates food safety and non-alcohol

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Understanding the FDA: A Comprehensive Guide for Food and Alcohol Producers

In the dynamic and highly regulated world of food and beverage production, ensuring compliance with federal laws is a cornerstone of successful operations. Among the key players in the regulatory landscape, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) stands out as a pivotal agency that safeguards public health. While many alcohol producers—such as wineries, breweries, distilleries,

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