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

✅ 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).

2. 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”

3. 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.

4. Net Contents

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

5. 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.

6. Country of Origin (if imported)

• Example: “Product of Scotland” for Scotch whisky.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Responsibility Statement (Voluntary but Common)

• E.g., “Drink Responsibly” or “Enjoy Responsibly.”

10. 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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