Top 10 Legal Considerations for Starting a Distillery in the U.S.

Starting a distillery can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it’s crucial to navigate the legal landscape carefully. From licensing requirements to labeling regulations, there are several legal considerations to keep in mind. In this article, we outline the top 10 legal aspects aspiring distillery owners should address when starting their operations in the

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What is Wine Law?

What is wine law? What is wine law? This is a common question I receive whenever I tell people I focus on wine law. The answer, more or less, amounts to this: wine law in the U.S. entails many areas of the law and several different government agencies. Wine law is not one set of

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What is the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”)?

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 and tobacco in the United States. The TTB operates as a division of the Department of the Treasury and has the primary responsibility of administering

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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.

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Everything You Need to Know About Wine Under 7% Alcohol By Volume and the FDA

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.

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How are Alcohol-Free Beers or Malt Beverages Regulated?

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.

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