Craft Spirit Label Compliance Guide (U.S. – TTB Regulated)

May 20th 2025

✅ Mandatory Label Elements

According to 27 CFR Part 5 (TTB), the following must appear on distilled spirit labels:

  1. Brand Name
  • The name under which the product is marketed.
  • Must appear prominently on the front label (PDP).

  1. Class and Type Designation
  • Identifies the specific spirit (e.g., Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Rum, Scotch Whisky).
  • Must meet the standards of identity as defined by TTB.
  • Examples:
    • “Straight Bourbon Whiskey”
    • “London Dry Gin”
    • “Pot-distilled Rum”

  1. Alcohol Content (ABV)
  • Expressed as percent alcohol by volume, e.g., "40% Alc./Vol."
  • Must be accurate to within 0.3% ABV and on the front label.

  1. Net Contents
  • Must state volume, typically in metric units: “750 mL”, “1 L”, etc.
  • Usually placed on the front, can be in lower third.

  1. Name and Address of Bottler or Distiller
  • Format:
    • “Distilled and Bottled by XYZ Distillery, City, State”
    • OR if only bottled: “Bottled by XYZ Co., City, State”
  • If contract bottled, “Produced for...” or “Manufactured by...” may apply.

  1. Country of Origin (if imported)
  • Example: “Product of Scotland” for Scotch whisky.

  1. Government Warning Statement (Required for all alcohol beverages over 0.5% ABV)

Must appear exactly as follows (all caps not required, but must be conspicuous):

vbnetCopyEditGOVERNMENT WARNING:(1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.(2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.

  1. Health Claims and Prohibited Content
  • No therapeutic or curative claims (e.g., “relieves stress,” “heart healthy”).
  • Cannot imply that the alcohol content contributes to health.

  1. Responsibility Statement (Voluntary but Common)
  • E.g., “Drink Responsibly” or “Enjoy Responsibly.”

  1. State-Specific Requirements
  • Some states (e.g., California, New York) may require additional recycling info or deposit info: “CA CRV” or “NY 5¢ Deposit”.

? Optional (But Regulated) Elements

Feature

Notes

Age Statement

Only allowed if all spirits in bottle meet the stated age (e.g., “Aged 4 Years”).

Barrel/Batch Info

Permitted if truthful; must not mislead.

Flavor Additives

Must be disclosed for flavored spirits or specialty items.

Organic Claims

Must meet USDA organic certification standards.

? Label Layout Tips (750mL Bottle Example)

  • Front Label (PDP):
    • Brand Name
    • Class & Type
    • Alcohol Content
    • Net Contents
  • Back Label:
    • Government Warning
    • Bottler/Distiller Info
    • Bar Code / Batch Info (optional)

? TTB Label Approval (COLA)

Before selling your spirits, you must get a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) from TTB via the COLAs Online system.

✅ Label Checklist for Compliance:

Requirement

On Label?

Brand Name

✅

Class & Type (e.g., Whiskey)

✅

Alcohol Content (ABV)

✅

Net Contents (mL or L)

✅

Bottler or Distiller Info

✅

Government Warning

✅

COLA Approval Received

✅

No Prohibited Health Claims

✅

Age Statement (if any) is truthful

✅

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