Distilled Spirits

Importing Unique Spirits & Liquors into the U.S.: A Guide for Importers

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Importing unique spirits and liquors that aren’t yet “mainstream” in the United States can be a rewarding business venture, as these products often offer something distinct to the market. However, the process of importing liquors like cachaça, shochu, raki, pisco, baijiu, chinotto, cynar, palenque, and marañón can come with a series of challenges. This high-level […]

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A Comprehensive Overview of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (“FAA Act”)

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The Federal Alcohol Administration Act (“FAA Act”) is a cornerstone piece of legislation that regulates the production, distribution, and labeling of alcohol beverages in the United States. Passed in 1935, the FAA Act is designed to promote fair trade, protect consumers, and ensure that the alcohol industry operates with transparency and accountability. Managed by the

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What is a TTB Permit? A Comprehensive Guide for Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries

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For wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the United States, obtaining an Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“) permit is a critical step in ensuring that your business operates legally and in compliance with federal regulations. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your operations, understanding what a TTB permit is, how it works,

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What are the Most Common Mistakes on A TTB Permit Application?

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Submitting an application for an Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“) permit can be a complicated process, and even minor errors can lead to delays, rejections, or additional scrutiny. For alcohol producers such as wineries, breweries, and distilleries, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of your application is critical. Here are some of the

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Understanding Co-Packing, Custom Crush, and Contract Production in the Alcohol Beverage Industry

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As alcohol beverage producers—whether brewers, wineries, or distillers—look for cost-effective and efficient ways to scale their operations, co-packing, custom crush, and contract production arrangements provide valuable solutions. These outsourcing options allow producers to leverage third-party expertise and facilities while retaining control over their brand and product. This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of how

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2024 Year in Review: Key Legal Trends in the Alcohol Beverage Industry

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As the alcohol beverage industry continues to grow and evolve, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of significant legal developments and trends. For wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries, and meaderies, understanding the key legal changes and emerging issues is crucial to staying compliant and competitive. In this year-in-review post, we highlight some of the

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Understanding Alternating Proprietorships in the Alcohol Beverage Industry: What You Need to Know

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In the alcohol beverage industry, a common arrangement that many producers consider is the alternating proprietorship. This legal structure allows multiple beverage producers to operate out of the same facility while maintaining their independent businesses. For those in the wine, beer, spirits, sake, hard cider, or mead industries, understanding how an alternating proprietorship works, the

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Understanding Excise Taxes in the Alcohol Beverage Industry: What Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries Need to Know

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When it comes to running a business in the alcohol beverage industry—whether you own a winery, brewery, or distillery—excise taxes are an essential aspect of your operations. These taxes can have a significant impact on your pricing, profitability, and compliance. Understanding how excise taxes work and what laws apply is crucial for staying compliant and

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The TTB Serving Facts Panel: A Comprehensive Guide

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In 2013, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“) published TTB Ruling 2013-2 which discusses the use of a statement of average analysis and a Serving Facts statement on alcohol beverages. The statements are a standardized format used to provide consumers with essential information on alcohol beverage servings on the product’s label. Although

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How to Avoid Having Your TTB Federal Permit Application Rejected

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Navigating the process of obtaining a federal basic permit issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“) can be a daunting task. With stories of lengthy application times, numerous questions from the TTB, and even outright rejections, it’s understandable why applicants might feel overwhelmed. However, with proper preparation and thorough documentation, these

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