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§ 5.141 - The standards of identity in general.

(a) General. Distilled spirits are divided, for labeling purposes, into classes, which are further divided into specific types. As set forth in § 5.63, a distilled spirits product label must bear the appropriate class, type or other designation. The standards that define the classes and types are known as the “standards of identity.” The classes and types of distilled spirits set forth in this subpart apply only to distilled spirits for beverage or other nonindustrial purposes.

(b) Rules. (1) Unless otherwise specified, when a standard of identity states that a mash is of a particular ingredient (such as “fermented mash of grain”), the mash must be made entirely of that ingredient without the addition of other fermentable ingredients.

(2) Some distilled spirits products may conform to the standards of identity of more than one class. Such products may be designated with any single class designation defined in this subpart to which the products conform.

(c) Designating with both class and type. If a product is designated with both the class and the type, the type designation must be as conspicuous as the class designation, and must appear in the same field of vision.

(d) Words in a designation. All words in a designation must be similarly conspicuous and must appear together.

§ 5.142 - Neutral spirits or alcohol.

(a) The class neutral spirits. “Neutral spirits” or “alcohol” are distilled spirits distilled from any suitable material at or above 95 percent alcohol by volume (190° proof), and, if bottled, bottled at not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume (80° proof). Neutral spirits other than the type “grain spirits” may be designated as “neutral spirits” or “alcohol” on a label. Neutral spirits (other than the type “grain spirits”) may not be aged in wood barrels at any time.

(b) Types. The following chart lists the types of neutral spirits and the rules that apply to the type designation.

Type designation Standards (1) VodkaNeutral spirits which may be treated with up to two grams per liter of sugar and up to one gram per liter of citric acid. Products to be labeled as vodka may not be aged or stored in wood barrels at any time except when stored in paraffin-lined wood barrels and labeled as bottled in bond pursuant to § 5.88. Vodka treated and filtered with not less than one ounce of activated carbon or activated charcoal per 100 wine gallons of spirits may be labeled as “charcoal filtered.” Addition of any other flavoring or blending materials changes the classification to flavored vodka or to a distilled spirits specialty product, as appropriate. Vodka must be designated on the label as “neutral spirits,” “alcohol,” or “vodka”. (2) Grain spiritsNeutral spirits distilled from a fermented mash of grain and stored in oak barrels. “Grain spirits” must be designated as such on the label. Grain spirits may not be designated as “neutral spirits” or “alcohol” on the label.

§ 5.143 - Whisky.

(a) The class whisky. “Whisky” or “whiskey” is distilled spirits that is an alcoholic distillate from a fermented mash of any grain distilled at less than 95 percent alcohol by volume (190° proof) having the taste, aroma, and characteristics generally attributed to whisky, stored in oak barrels (except that corn whisky need not be so stored), and bottled at not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume (80° proof), and also includes mixtures of such distillates for which no specific standards of identity are prescribed.

(b) Label designations. The word whisky may be spelled as either “whisky” or “whiskey”. The place, State, or region where the whisky was distilled may appear as part of the designation on the label if the distillation and any required aging took place in that location (e.g., “New York Bourbon Whisky” must be distilled and aged in the State of New York); however, blending and bottling need not have taken place in the same place, State, or region. However, if any whisky is made partially from whisky distilled in a country other than that indicated by the type designation, the label must indicate the percentage of such whisky and the country where that whisky was distilled. Additionally, the label of whisky that does not meet one of the standards for specific types of whisky and that is comprised of components distilled in more than one country must contain a statement of composition indicating the country of origin of each component (such as “Whisky—50% from Japan, 50% from the United States”). The word “bourbon” may not be used to describe any whisky or whisky-based distilled spirits not distilled and aged in the United States. The whiskies defined in paragraphs (c)(2) through (6) and (10) through (14) of this section are distinctive products of the United States and must have the country of origin stated immediately adjacent to the type designation if it is distilled outside of the United States, or the whisky designation must be proceeded by the term “American type” if the country of origin appears elsewhere on the label. For example, “Brazilian Corn Whisky,” “Rye Whisky distilled in Sweden,” and “Blended Whisky—Product of Japan” are statements that meet this country of origin requirement. “Light whisky”, “Blended light whisky”, and “Whisky distilled from bourbon (rye, wheat, malt, rye malt, or other named grain) mash” may only be produced in the United States.

(c) Types of whisky. The following tables set out the designations for whisky. Table 1 sets forth the standards for whisky that are defined based on production, storage, and processing standards, while Table 2 sets forth rules for the types of whisky that are defined as distinctive products of certain foreign countries. For the whiskies listed in Table 1, a domestic whisky may be labeled with the designation listed, when it complies with the production standards in the subsequent columns. The “source” column indicates the source of the grain mash used to make the whisky. The “distillation proof” indicates the allowable distillation proof for that type. The “storage” column indicates the type of packages (barrels) in which the spirits must be stored and limits for the proof of the spirits when entering the packages. The “neutral spirits permitted” column indicates whether neutral spirits may be used in the product in their original state (and not as vehicles for flavoring materials), and if so, how much may be used. The “harmless coloring, flavoring, blending materials permitted” column indicates whether harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending materials, other than neutral spirits in their original form, described in § 5.142, may be used in the product. The use of the word “straight” is a further designation of a type, and is optional.

Table 1 to Paragraph (c)—Types of Whisky and Production, Storage, and Processing Standards

Type Source Distillation proof Storage Neutral spirits
permitted
Allowable coloring, flavoring, blending materials permitted (1) Whisky, which may be used as the designation for any of the type designations under the class “whisky,” or may be used as the designation if the whisky does not meet one of the type designations but satisfies the class designationFermented grain mashLess than 190°Oak barrels with no minimum time requirementNoYes. (2) Bourbon Whisky, Rye Whisky, Wheat Whisky, Malt Whisky, Rye Malt Whisky, or [name of other grain] WhiskyFermented mash of not less than 51%, respectively: Corn, Rye, Wheat, Malted Barley, Malted Rye Grain, [Other grain]160° or lessCharred new oak barrels at 125° or lessNoYes, except for bourbon whisky. (3) Corn Whisky. (Whisky conforming to this standard must be designated as “corn whisky.”)Fermented mash of not less than 80% corn160° or lessRequired only if age is claimed on the label. If stored, must be stored at 125° or less in used or uncharred new oak barrelsNoYes. (4) Straight WhiskyFermented mash of less than 51% corn, rye, wheat, malted barley, malted rye [or other] grain. (Includes mixtures of straight whiskies made in the same state.)160° or lessCharred new oak barrels at 125° or less for a minimum of 2 yearsNoNo. (5) Straight Bourbon Whisky, Straight Rye Whisky, Straight Wheat Whisky, Straight Malt Whisky, or Straight Rye Malt WhiskyFermented mash of not less than 51%, respectively: Corn, Rye, Wheat, Malted Barley, Malted Rye Grain160° or lessCharred new oak barrels at 125° or less for a minimum of 2 yearsNoNo. (6) Straight Corn WhiskyFermented mash of not less than 80% corn160° or less125° or less in used or uncharred new oak barrels for a minimum of 2 yearsNoNo. (7) Whisky distilled from Bourbon/Rye/Wheat/Malt/Rye Malt/[Name of other grain] mashFermented mash of not less than 51%, respectively: Corn, Rye, Wheat, Malted Barley, Malted Rye Grain, [Other grain]160° or lessUsed oak barrelsNoYes. (8) Light WhiskyFermented grain mashMore than 160°Used or uncharred new oak barrelsNoYes. (9) Blended Light Whisky (Light Whisky—a blend)Light whisky blended with less than 20% Straight Whisky on a proof gallon basisBlendWill contain a blendNoYes. (10) Blended Whisky (Whisky—a blend)At least 20% Straight Whisky on a proof gallon basis plus Whisky or Neutral Spirits alone or in combination160° or lessWill contain a blend of spirits, some stored and some not storedMaximum of 80% on a proof gallon basisYes. (11) Blended Bourbon Whisky, Blended Rye Whisky, Blended Wheat Whisky, Blended Malt Whisky, Blended Rye Malt Whisky, Blended Corn Whisky (or Whisky—a blend)At least 51% on a proof gallon basis of: Straight Bourbon, Rye, Wheat, Malt, Rye Malt, or Corn Whisky; the rest comprised of Whisky or Neutral Spirits alone or in combinationBlendWill contain a blend of spirits, some stored and some not storedMaximum of 49% on a proof gallon basisYes. (12) Blend of Straight Whiskies (Blended Straight Whiskies)Mixture of Straight Whiskies that does not conform to “Straight Whisky”160° or lessWill contain a blend of spirits which were aged at least 2 yearsNo, except as part of a flavorYes. (13) Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskies, Blended Straight Rye Whiskies, Blended Straight Wheat Whiskies, Blended Straight Malt Whiskies, Blended Straight Rye Malt Whiskies, Blended Straight Corn Whiskies, (or a blend of straight whiskies)Mixture of Straight Whiskies of the same named type produced in different states or produced in the same state but contains coloring, flavoring or blending material160° or lessWill contain a blend of spirits which were aged at least 2 yearsNo, except as part of a flavorYes. (14) Spirit WhiskyMixture of Neutral Spirits and 5% or more on a proof gallon basis of: Whisky or Straight Whisky or a combination of both. The Straight Whisky component must be less than 20% on a proof gallon basisBlendWill contain a blend of spirits, some stored and some not storedMaximum of 95% on a proof gallon basisYes.

Table 2 to Paragraph (c)—Types of Whisky That Are Distinctive Products

(16) Scotch whiskyWhisky which is a distinctive product of Scotland, manufactured in Scotland in compliance with the laws of the United Kingdom regulating the manufacture of Scotch whisky for consumption in the United Kingdom: Provided, That if such product is a mixture of whiskies, such mixture is “blended Scotch whisky” or “Scotch whisky—a blend”. (17) Irish whiskyWhisky which is a distinctive product of Ireland, manufactured either in the Republic of Ireland or in Northern Ireland, in compliance with their laws regulating the manufacture of Irish whisky for home consumption: Provided, That if such product is a mixture of whiskies, such mixture is “blended Irish whisky” or “Irish whisky—a blend”. (18) Canadian whiskyWhisky which is a distinctive product of Canada, manufactured in Canada in compliance with the laws of Canada regulating the manufacture of Canadian whisky for consumption in Canada: Provided, That if such product is a mixture of whiskies, such mixture is “blended Canadian whisky” or “Canadian whisky—a blend”.

§ 5.144 - Gin.

(a) The class gin. “Gin” is distilled spirits made by original distillation from mash, or by redistillation of distilled spirits, or by mixing neutral spirits, with or over juniper berries and, optionally, with or over other aromatics, or with or over extracts derived from infusions, percolations, or maceration of such materials, and includes mixtures of gin and neutral spirits. It must derive its main characteristic flavor from juniper berries and be bottled at not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume (80° proof). Gin may be aged in oak containers.

(b) Distilled gin. Gin made exclusively by original distillation or by redistillation may be further designated as “distilled,” “Dry,” “London,” “Old Tom” or some combination of these four terms.

§ 5.145 - Brandy.

(a) The class brandy. “Brandy” is spirits that are distilled from the fermented juice, mash, or wine of fruit, or from the residue thereof, distilled at less than 95 percent alcohol by volume (190° proof) having the taste, aroma, and characteristics generally attributed to the product, and bottled at not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume (80° proof).

(b) Label designations. Brandy conforming to one of the type designations must be designated with the type name or specific designation specified in the requirements for that type. The term “brandy” without further qualification (such as “peach” or “marc”) may only be used as a designation on labels of grape brandy as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. Brandy conforming to one of the type designations defined in paragraphs (c)(1) through (13) of this section must be designated on the label with the type name unless a specific designation is included in the requirements for that type. Brandy, or mixtures thereof, not conforming to any of the types defined in this section must be designated on the label as “brandy” followed immediately by a truthful and adequate statement of composition.

(c) Types. Paragraphs (c)(1) through (13) of this section set out the types of brandy and the standards for each type.

Type Standards (1) Fruit brandyBrandy distilled solely from the fermented juice or mash of whole, sound, ripe fruit, or from standard grape or other fruit wine, with or without the addition of not more than 20 percent by weight of the pomace of such juice or wine, or 30 percent by volume of the lees of such wine, or both (calculated prior to the addition of water to facilitate fermentation or distillation). Fruit brandy includes mixtures of such brandy with not more than 30 percent (calculated on a proof gallon basis) of lees brandy. Fruit brandy derived solely from grapes and stored for at least 2 years in oak containers must be designated “grape brandy” or “brandy.” Grape brandy that has been stored in oak barrels for fewer than 2 years must be designated “immature grape brandy” or “immature brandy.” Fruit brandy, other than grape brandy, derived from one variety of fruit, must be designated by the word “brandy” qualified by the name of such fruit (for example, “peach brandy”), except that “apple brandy” may be designated “applejack,” “plum brandy” may be designated “Slivovitz,” and “cherry brandy” may be designated “Kirschwasser.” Fruit brandy derived from more than one variety of fruit must be designated as “fruit brandy” qualified by a truthful and adequate statement of composition, for example “Fruit brandy distilled from strawberries and blueberries.” (2) Cognac or “Cognac (grape) brandy”Grape brandy distilled exclusively in the Cognac region of France, which is entitled to be so designated by the laws and regulations of the French government. (3) ArmagnacGrape brandy distilled exclusively in France in accordance with the laws and regulations of France regulating the manufacture of Armagnac for consumption in France. (4) Brandy de JerezGrape brandy distilled exclusively in Spain in accordance with the laws and regulations of Spain regulating the manufacture of Brandy de Jerez for consumption in Spain. (5) CalvadosApple brandy distilled exclusively in France in accordance with the laws and regulations of France regulating the manufacture of Calvados for consumption in France. (6) PiscoGrape brandy distilled in Peru or Chile in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country of manufacture of Pisco for consumption in the country of manufacture, including:
(i) “Pisco Perú” (or “Pisco Peru”), which is Pisco manufactured in Peru in accordance with the laws and regulations of Peru governing the manufacture of Pisco for consumption in that country; and
(ii) “Pisco Chileno” (or “Chilean Pisco”), which is Pisco manufactured in Chile in accordance with the laws and regulations of Chile governing the manufacture of Pisco for consumption in that country.
(7) SinganiBrandy derived from grape/s that is manufactured in Bolivia in accordance with the laws and regulations of Bolivia governing the manufacture of Singani for consumption in that country. (8) Dried fruit brandyBrandy that conforms to the standard for fruit brandy except that it has been derived from sound, dried fruit, or from the standard wine of such fruit. Brandy derived from raisins, or from raisin wine, must be designated “raisin brandy.” Dried fruit brandy, other than raisin brandy, must be designated by the word “brandy” qualified by the name of the dried fruit(s) from which made preceded by the word “dried”, for example, “dried apricot brandy.” (9) Lees brandyBrandy distilled from the lees of standard grape or other fruit wine, and such brandy derived solely from grapes must be designated “grape lees brandy” or “lees brandy.” Lees brandy derived from fruit other than grapes must be designated as “lees brandy,” qualified by the name of the fruit from which such lees are derived, for example, “cherry lees brandy.” (10) Pomace brandy or Marc brandyBrandy distilled from the skin and pulp of sound, ripe grapes or other fruit, after the withdrawal of the juice or wine therefrom. Such brandy derived solely from grape components must be designated “grape pomace brandy,” “grape marc brandy”, “pomace brandy,” or “mark brandy.” Grape pomace brandy may alternatively be designated as “grappa” or “grappa brandy.” Pomace or marc brandy derived from fruit other than grapes must be designated as “pomace brandy” or “marc brandy” qualified by the name of the fruit from which derived, for example, “apple pomace brandy” or “pear marc brandy.” (11) Residue brandyBrandy distilled wholly or in part from the fermented residue of fruit or wine. Such brandy derived solely from grapes must be designated “grape residue brandy,” or “residue brandy.” Residue brandy, derived from fruit other than grapes, must be designated as “residue brandy” qualified by the name of the fruit from which derived, for example, “orange residue brandy.” Brandy distilled wholly or in part from residue materials which conforms to any of the standards set forth in paragraphs (b)(1) and (7) through (9) of this section may, regardless of such fact, be designated “residue brandy”, but the use of such designation shall be conclusive, precluding any later change of designation. (12) Neutral brandyAny type of brandy distilled at more than 85% alcohol by volume (170° proof) but less than 95% alcohol by volume. Such brandy derived solely from grapes must be designated “grape neutral brandy,” or “neutral brandy.” Other neutral brandies, must be designated in accordance with the rules for those types of brandy, and be qualified by the word “neutral”; for example, “neutral citrus residue brandy”. (13) Substandard brandyAny brandy:
(i) Distilled from fermented juice, mash, or wine having a volatile acidity, calculated as acetic acid and exclusive of sulfur dioxide, in excess of 0.20 gram per 100 cubic centimeters (20 degrees Celsius); measurements of volatile acidity must be calculated exclusive of water added to facilitate distillation.
(ii) Distilled from unsound, moldy, diseased, or decomposed juice, mash, wine, lees, pomace, or residue, or which shows in the finished product any taste, aroma, or characteristic associated with products distilled from such material.
(iii) Such brandy derived solely from grapes must be designated “substandard grape brandy,” or “substandard brandy.” Other substandard brandies must be designated in accordance with the rules for those types of brandy, and be qualified by the word “substandard”; for example, “substandard fig brandy”.
[T.D. TTB–176, 87 7579, Feb. 9, 2022, as amended by T.D. TTB–187, 88 FR 2228, Jan. 13, 2023]

§ 5.146 - Blended applejack.

(a) The class blended applejack. “Blended applejack” is a mixture containing at least 20 percent on a proof gallon basis of apple brandy (applejack) that has been stored in oak barrels for not less than 2 years, and not more than 80 percent of neutral spirits on a proof gallon basis. Blended applejack must be bottled at not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume (80° proof).

(b) Label designation. The label designation for blended applejack may be “blended applejack” or “applejack–a blend.”

§ 5.147 - Rum.

(a) The class rum. “Rum” is distilled spirits that is distilled from the fermented juice of sugar cane, sugar cane syrup, sugar cane molasses, or other sugar cane by-products at less than 95 percent alcohol by volume (190° proof) having the taste, aroma, and characteristics generally attributed to rum, and bottled at not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume (80° proof); and also includes mixtures solely of such spirits. All rum may be designated as “rum” on the label, even if it also meets the standards for a specific type of rum.

(b) Types. Paragraph (b)(1) of this section describes a specific type of rum and the standards for that type.

Type Standards (1) CachaçaRum that is a distinctive product of Brazil, manufactured in Brazil in compliance with the laws of Brazil regulating the manufacture of Cachaça for consumption in that country. The word “Cachaça” may be spelled with or without the diacritic mark (i.e., “Cachaça” or “Cachaca”). Cachaça may be designated as “Cachaça” or “rum” on labels. (2) [Reserved]

§ 5.148 - Agave spirits.

(a) The class agave spirits. “Agave spirits” are distilled from a fermented mash, of which at least 51 percent is derived from plant species in the genus Agave and up to 49 percent is derived from other sugars. Agave spirits must be distilled at less than 95 percent alcohol by volume (190° proof) and bottled at or above 40 percent alcohol by volume (80° proof). Agave spirits may be stored in wood barrels. Agave spirits may contain added flavoring or coloring materials as authorized by § 5.155. This class also includes mixtures of agave spirits. Agave spirits that meet the standard of identity for “Tequila” or “Mezcal” may be designated as “agave spirits,” or as “Tequila” or “Mezcal”, as applicable.

(b) Types. Paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section describe the types of agave spirits and the rules for each type.

Type Standards (1) TequilaAn agave spirit that is a distinctive product of Mexico. Tequila must be made in Mexico, in compliance with the laws and regulations of Mexico governing the manufacture of Tequila for consumption in that country. (2) MezcalAn agave spirit that is a distinctive product of Mexico. Mezcal must be made in Mexico, in compliance with the laws and regulations of Mexico governing the manufacture of Mezcal for consumption in that country.

§ 5.149 - [Reserved]

§ 5.150 - Cordials and liqueurs.

(a) The class cordials and liqueurs. Cordials and liqueurs are flavored distilled spirits that are made by mixing or redistilling distilled spirits with or over fruits, flowers, plants, or pure juices therefrom, or other natural flavoring materials, or with extracts derived from infusions, percolation, or maceration of such materials, and containing sugar (such as sucrose, fructose, dextrose, or levulose) in an amount of not less than 2.5 percent by weight of the finished product. Designations on labels may be “Cordial” or “Liqueur,” or, in the alternative, may be one of the type designations below. Cordials and liqueurs may not be designated as “straight”. The designation of a cordial or liqueur may include the word “dry” if sugar is less than 10 percent by weight of the finished product.

(b) Types. Paragraph (b)(1) through (12) of this section list definitions and standards for optional type designations.

Type Rule (1) Sloe ginA cordial or liqueur with the main characteristic flavor derived from sloe berries. (2) Rye liqueur, bourbon liqueur (or rye cordial or bourbon cordial)Liqueurs, bottled at not less than 30 percent alcohol by volume, in which not less than 51 percent, on a proof gallon basis, of the distilled spirits used are, respectively, rye or bourbon whisky, straight rye or straight bourbon whisky, or whisky distilled from a rye or bourbon mash, and which possess a predominant characteristic rye or bourbon flavor derived from such whisky. Wine, if used, must be within the 2.5 percent limitation provided in § 5.155 for coloring, flavoring, and blending materials. (3) Rock and rye; Rock and bourbon; Rock and brandy; Rock and rumLiqueurs, bottled at not less than 24 percent alcohol by volume, in which, in the case of rock and rye and rock and bourbon, not less than 51 percent, on a proof gallon basis, of the distilled spirits used are, respectively, rye or bourbon whisky, straight rye or straight bourbon whisky, or whisky distilled from a rye or bourbon mash, and, in the case of rock and brandy and rock and rum, the distilled spirits used are all grape brandy or rum, respectively; containing rock candy or sugar syrup, with or without the addition of fruit, fruit juices, or other natural flavoring materials, and possessing, respectively, a predominant characteristic rye, bourbon, brandy, or rum flavor derived from the distilled spirits used. Wine, if used, must be within the 2.5 percent limitation provided in § 5.155 for harmless coloring, flavoring, and blending materials. (4) Rum liqueur, gin liqueur, brandy liqueurLiqueurs, bottled at not less than 30 percent alcohol by volume, in which the distilled spirits used are entirely rum, gin, or brandy, respectively, and which possess, respectively, a predominant characteristic rum, gin, or brandy flavor derived from the distilled spirits used. In the case of brandy liqueur, the type of brandy must be stated in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section, except that liqueurs made entirely with grape brandy may be designated simply as “brandy liqueur.” Wine, if used, must be within the 2.5 percent limitation provided for in § 5.155 for harmless coloring, flavoring, and blending materials. (5) AmarettoAlmond flavored liqueur/cordial (6) KummelCaraway flavored liqueur/cordial (7) Ouzo, Anise, AnisetteAnise flavored liqueurs/cordials (8) SambucaAnise flavored liqueur. See § 5.154(b)(2) for designation rules for Sambuca not produced in Italy. (9) Peppermint SchnappsPeppermint flavored liqueur/cordial (10) Triple Sec and CuracaoOrange flavored liqueurs/cordials. Curacao may be preceded by the color of the liqueur/cordial (for example, Blue Curacao). (11) Crème deA liqueur/cordial where the blank is filled in with the predominant flavor (for example, Crème de menthe is mint flavored liqueur/cordial.) (12) GoldwasserHerb flavored liqueur/cordial and containing gold flakes. See § 5.154(b)(2) for designation rules for Goldwasser not made in Germany.

§ 5.151 - Flavored spirits.

(a) The class flavored spirits. “Flavored spirits” are distilled spirits that are spirits conforming to one of the standards of identity set forth in §§ 5.142 through 5.148 to which have been added nonbeverage natural flavors, wine, or nonalcoholic natural flavoring materials, with or without the addition of sugar, and bottled at not less than 30 percent alcohol by volume (60° proof). The flavored spirits must be specifically designated by the single base spirit and one or more of the most predominant flavors (for example, “Pineapple Flavored Tequila” or “Cherry Vanilla Flavored Bourbon Whisky”). The base spirit must conform to the standard of identity for that spirit before the flavoring is added. Base spirits that are a distinctive product of a particular place must be manufactured in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country as designated in the base spirit's standard of identity. If the finished product contains more than 2.5 percent by volume of wine, the kinds and percentages by volume of wine must be stated as a part of the designation (whether the wine is added directly to the product or whether it is first mixed into an intermediate product), except that a flavored brandy may contain an additional 12.5 percent by volume of wine, without label disclosure, if the additional wine is derived from the particular fruit corresponding to the labeled flavor of the product.

(b) [Reserved]

§ 5.152 - Imitations.

(a) Imitations must bear, as a part of the designation thereof, the word “imitation” and include the following:

(1) Any class or type of distilled spirits to which has been added coloring or flavoring material of such nature as to cause the resultant product to simulate any other class or type of distilled spirits;

(2) Any class or type of distilled spirits (other than distilled spirits specialty products as defined in § 5.156) to which has been added flavors considered to be artificial or imitation.

(3) Any class or type of distilled spirits (except cordials, liqueurs and specialties marketed under labels which do not indicate or imply that a particular class or type of distilled spirits was used in the manufacture thereof) to which has been added any whisky essence, brandy essence, rum essence, or similar essence or extract which simulates or enhances, or is used by the trade or in the particular product to simulate or enhance, the characteristics of any class or type of distilled spirits;

(4) Any type of whisky to which beading oil has been added;

(5) Any rum to which neutral spirits or distilled spirits other than rum have been added;

(6) Any brandy made from distilling material to which has been added any amount of sugar other than the kind and amount of sugar expressly authorized in the production of standard wine; and

(7) Any brandy to which neutral spirits or distilled spirits other than brandy have been added, except that this provision shall not apply to any product conforming to the standard of identity for blended applejack.

(b) If any of the standards set forth in paragraphs (a)(1) through (7) of this section apply, the “Imitation” class designation must be used in front of the appropriate class as part of the designation (for example, Imitation Whisky).

§ 5.153 - [Reserved]

§ 5.154 - Rules for geographical designations.

(a) Geographical designations. (1) Geographical names for distinctive types of distilled spirits (other than names found by the appropriate TTB officer under paragraph (a)(2) of this section to have become generic) may not be applied to distilled spirits produced in any other place than the particular region indicated by the name, unless:

(i) There appears the word “type” or the word “American” or some other adjective indicating the true place of production, in lettering substantially as conspicuous as such name; and

(ii) The distilled spirits to which the name is applied conform to the distilled spirits of that particular region. The following are examples of distinctive types of distilled spirits with geographical names that have not become generic: Eau de Vie de Dantzig (Danziger Goldwasser), Ojen, Swedish punch. Geographical names for distinctive types of distilled spirits may be used to designate only distilled spirits conforming to the standard of identity, if any, for such type specified in this section, or if no such standard is so specified, then in accordance with the trade understanding of that distinctive type.

(2) Only such geographical names for distilled spirits as the appropriate TTB officer finds have by usage and common knowledge lost their geographical significance to such extent that they have become generic shall be deemed to have become generic. Examples are London dry gin, Geneva (Hollands) gin.

(3) Geographical names that are not names for distinctive types of distilled spirits, and that have not become generic, shall not be applied to distilled spirits produced in any other place than the particular place or region indicated in the name. Examples are Armagnac, Greek brandy, Jamaica rum, Puerto Rico rum, Demerara rum and Andong Soju.

(b) Products without geographical designations but distinctive of a particular place. (1) The whiskies of the types specified in paragraphs (c)(2) through (6) and (10) through (14) of § 5.143 are distinctive products of the United States and if produced in a foreign country shall be designated by the applicable designation prescribed in such paragraphs, together with the words “American type” or the words “produced (distilled, blended) in ____”, the blank to be filled in with the name of the foreign country: Provided, That the word “bourbon” shall not be used to describe any whisky or whisky-based distilled spirits not produced in the United States. If whisky of any of these types is composed in part of whisky or whiskies produced in a foreign country there shall be stated, on the brand label, the percentage of such whisky and the country of origin thereof.

(2) The name for other distilled spirits which are distinctive products of a particular place or country (such as Habanero), may not be given to the product of any other place or country unless the designation for such product includes the word “type” or an adjective such as “American”, or the like, clearly indicating the true place of production. The provision for place of production shall not apply to designations which by usage and common knowledge have lost their geographical significance to such an extent that the appropriate TTB officer finds they have become generic. Examples of generic designations are Slivovitz, Zubrovka, Aquavit, Arrack, and Kirschwasser.

§ 5.155 - Alteration of class and type.

(a) Definitions—(1) Coloring, flavoring, or blending material. For the purposes of this section, the term “coloring, flavoring, or blending material” means a harmless substance that is an essential component of the class or type of distilled spirits to which it is added; or a harmless substance, such as caramel, straight malt or straight rye malt whiskies, fruit juices, sugar, infusion of oak chips when approved by the Administrator, or wine, that is not an essential component part of the distilled spirits product to which it is added but which is customarily employed in the product in accordance with established trade usage.

(2) Certified color. For purposes of this section, the term “certified color” means a color additive that is required to undergo batch certification in accordance with part 74 or part 82 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations (21 CFR parts 74 and 82). An example of a certified color is FD&C Blue No. 2.

(b) Allowable additions. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the following may be added to distilled spirits without changing the class or type designation:

(1) Coloring, flavoring, and blending materials that are essential components of the class or type of distilled spirits to which added;

(2) Coloring, flavoring, and blending materials that are not essential component parts of the distilled spirits to which added, provided that such coloring, flavoring, or blending materials do not total more than 2.5 percent by volume of the finished product; and

(3) Wine, when added to Canadian whisky in Canada in accordance with the laws and regulations of Canada governing the manufacture of Canadian whisky.

(c) Special rules. The addition of the following will require a redesignation of the class or type of the distilled spirits product to which added:

(1) Coloring, flavoring, or blending materials that are not essential component parts of the class or type of distilled spirits to which they are added, if such coloring, flavoring, and blending materials total more than 2.5 percent by volume of the finished product;

(2) Any material, other than caramel, infusion of oak chips, and sugar, added to Cognac brandy;

(3) Any material whatsoever added to neutral spirits or straight whisky, except that vodka may be treated with sugar, in an amount not to exceed two grams per liter, and with citric acid, in an amount not to exceed one gram per liter;

(4) Certified colors, carmine, or cochineal extract;

(5) Any material that would render the product to which it is added an imitation, as defined in § 5.152; or

(6) For products that are required to be stored in oak barrels in accordance with a standard of identity, the storing of the product in an additional barrel made of another type of wood.

(d) Extractions from distilled spirits. The removal of any constituents from a distilled spirits product to such an extent that the product no longer possesses the taste, aroma, and characteristics generally attributed to that class or type of distilled spirits will alter the class or type of the product, and the resulting product must be redesignated appropriately. In addition, in the case of straight whisky, the removal of more than 15 percent of the fixed acids, volatile acids, esters, soluble solids, or higher alcohols, or the removal of more than 25 percent of the soluble color, constitutes an alteration of the class or type of the product and requires a redesignation of the product.

(e) Exceptions. Nothing in this section has the effect of modifying the standards of identity specified in § 5.150 for cordials and liqueurs, and in § 5.151 for flavored spirits, or of authorizing any product defined in § 5.152 to be designated as other than an imitation.

§ 5.156 - Distilled spirits specialty products.

(a) General. Distilled spirits that do not meet one of the other standards of identity specified in this subpart are distilled spirits specialty products and must be designated in accordance with trade and consumer understanding, or, if no such understanding exists, with a distinctive or fanciful name (which may be the name of a cocktail) appearing in the same field of vision as a statement of composition. The statement of composition and the distinctive or fanciful name serve as the class and type designation for these products. The statement of composition must follow the rules found in § 5.166. A product may not bear a designation which indicates it contains a class or type of distilled spirits unless the distilled spirits therein conform to such class and type.

(b) Products designated in accordance with trade and consumer understanding. Products may be designated in accordance with trade and consumer understanding without a statement of composition if the appropriate TTB officer has determined that there is such understanding.

§§ 5.157–5.165 - §[Reserved]

§ 5.166 - Statements of composition.

(a) Rules for the statement of composition. When a statement of composition is required as part of a designation for a distilled spirits specialty product, the statement must be truthful and adequate.

(b) Cocktails. A statement of the classes and types of distilled spirits used in the manufacture thereof will be deemed a sufficient statement of composition in the case of highballs, cocktails, and similar prepared specialties when the designation adequately indicates to the consumer the general character of the product.