Starting a distillery is an exciting milestone, but before you can legally produce, bottle, process, warehouse, or otherwise handle distilled spirits in the United States, you will generally need to obtain a Distilled Spirits Plant (“DSP”) Permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”). The federal permitting process involves much more than
How to Obtain a TTB Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) Permit Read More »
Starting a distillery in New York is an exciting opportunity, whether you are launching a craft spirits brand, expanding an existing beverage business, or opening a tasting room. Before producing, blending, bottling, or selling distilled spirits in New York, however, you will generally need to obtain the appropriate licenses and approvals. Navigating the licensing process
The market for non-alcoholic spirits and spirit alternatives continues to grow rapidly as consumers seek sophisticated beverage options without alcohol. However, despite the popularity of these products, many companies are surprised to learn that labeling non-alcoholic spirit products can present significant regulatory and compliance challenges. Unlike traditional distilled spirits, non-alcoholic spirit alternatives may fall under
Labeling Requirements for Non-Alcoholic Spirit Products: Key Compliance Considerations Read More »
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.
Planning to Sell Your Distillery? Legal Considerations to Address Early Read More »
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
When applying for a Distilled Spirits Plant (“DSP”) permit, one of the most common questions we hear is whether the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) will conduct an on-site inspection before approving the application. The short answer is: sometimes, but not always. Years ago, a site inspection was part of the application
Does the TTB Conduct a Site Inspection for a New DSP? Read More »
If you’re planning to start a winery, brewery, or distillery—or launch a new product under an existing license—one of the first questions is: How long will it take to get a TTB permit? Understanding the timeline can help you plan your launch, budget your time, and avoid costly delays. The Type of Permit Application Matters
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
What is a TTB Federal Basic Distilled Spirits Plant Permit? Read More »
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.
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
What is Distilled Spirits Co-Packing or Contract Production? Read More »