Category: Distilled Spirits

TTB Federal Basic Permit Checklist: The Items Needed to Apply for a Permit

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?

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“)…

Changes for Standards of Fill for Wines & Spirits

In a recent notice of proposed rulemaking published by TTB in the Federal Register, the agency proposes to change the standards of fill for wines and (potentially) for distilled spirits. The proposed rule calls for ten (10) additional authorized standards of fill for wine (e.g., 180 mL, 300 mL, 330 mL, 360 mL, 550 mL, 620 mL, 700 mL, 720 mL, 1.8 L, and 2.25 L). Alternatively, the agency is also considering eliminating all but a minimum standard of fill for wine containers and all but a minimum and maximum standard of fill for distilled spirits containers. The notice can be accessed here.

Updates to Spirits Labeling in 27 CFR Part 5 Effective March 11, 2022

Significant changes occurred in March this year with respect to 27 CFR Part 5 (the federal regulations which govern distilled spirits labeling and advertising). This is “Phase 2” of a three-phase change. In “Phase 2,” much of Part 5 was reorganized with changes effective March 11, 2022.