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This informational pamphlet is designed
to educate the American public about
This This
informational
informational
pamphlet
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is designed
is designed
how to read an alcohol beverage label.
to educate
to educatethe American
the Americanpublicpublic
aboutabout
If you want to learn more, visit our web
how howto read
to read
an alcohol
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beverage
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label.label.
Web site at www.ttb.gov.
If youIf want
you want
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to learn
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visit our
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our web A proud past....A focused future
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www.ttb.gov.
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(04/2008)
2 (04/2008)
 WHAT A DISTILLED SPIRITS LABEL TELLS YOU
If you have ever taken a look behind a bar, you have seen rows upon rows of different bottles in a variety of heights, sizes, colors, and flavors. Usually the
majority of these bottles are distilled spirits. Distilled spirits are generally produced by first combining various ingredients and fermenting them. The resulting
fermented “mash,” which has a low alcohol content, is then heated in a still until the alcohol turns into a vapor, which is captured and then turned back into
liquid alcohol. This process is called “distillation,” and is generally what distinguishes these products from wine and malt beverages. TTB regulations require
that many types of distilled spirits, such as vodka, gin, rum, and tequila, must be bottled at no less than 40% alcohol by volume (80° proof). Other products,
such as cordials, liqueurs, and specialties, may be bottled at a lower alcohol content. A careful review of the label will help you to understand the product in the
bottle, and TTB designed this guide to help consumers make an informed choice when purchasing a distilled spirits product. TTB regulations can be quite
detailed in regard to the production of distilled spirits and the information appearing on the bottle; not every possibility is presented here, but this guide will give
you a good grasp of the fundamentals. For more detailed information please see the regulations listed on the back of this pamphlet.

CLASS/TYPE DESIGNATION
BRAND NAME
The brand label of a distilled spirit must contain a
The brand name is used to identify and market a distilled
designation that accurately identifies the product in the
spirits product. A brand name may not mislead the
bottle. The regulations are quite specific as to the
consumer about the age, identity, origin, or other
ingredients and processes used to produce a product of a
characteristics of the distilled spirit.
given class or type. For instance:

Gin must derive its main characteristic flavor from juniper

NAME AND ADDRESS
berries. In addition, gin labels must also show the
commodity from which the product was distilled (e.g.,
The name and address of the bottler or importer must
“Distilled from grain”).
appear on the container. However, the address of the
bottler's principal place of business may be used instead of
Vodka is defined as neutral spirits (alcohol produced from
the actual location where the bottling took place. It is also
any material at or above 190° proof) so distilled, or so
permissible for a bottler/importer to use a duly authorized
treated after distillation, as to be without distinctive
trade name in place of its usual operating name.
character, aroma, taste, or color. Like gin, vodka labels
must also show the commodity from which the product was
distilled.
ALCOHOL CONTENT

A statement of alcohol content expressed in percent by

volume must appear on the brand label. An additional
GIN Rum must be made from the fermented juice of sugar cane,
sugar cane syrup, sugar cane molasses, or other sugar cane
DISTILLED FROM GRAIN by-products.
alcohol content statement expressed in degrees of proof
may be shown in addition to the required alcohol by volume
BOTTLED BY XYZ DISTILLING CO., CITY, STATE Tequila must be derived principally from the Agave
statement.
Tequilana Weber plant (“blue” variety). Tequila is a
40% ALC./VOL. (80 PROOF) 750 ML distinctive product of Mexico, manufactured in Mexico in
compliance with the laws of Mexico.
HEALTH WARNING STATEMENT
GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) ACCORDING
Cordials and Liqueurs are produced from spirits in
By law, this statement is required on all alcohol beverages TO THE SURGEON GENERAL, WOMEN
combination with fruits, flowers, plants, juices, or natural
containing 0.5% or more alcohol by volume. SHOULD NOT DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
flavors and with the addition of at least 2.5% by weight of
DURING PREGNANCY BECAUSE OF THE RISK
certain sugars.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF BIRTH DEFECTS. (2) CONSUMPTION OF
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IMPAIRS YOUR
A distilled spirits product may not fit into any of the classes
Pursuant to regulations issued by TTB, as well as ABILITY TO DRIVE A CAR OR OPERATE
or types of spirits found in the regulations, usually because
requirements of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a MACHINERY, AND MAY CAUSE HEALTH
of the addition of flavoring materials or because it was made
Country of Origin statement is required on containers of PROBLEMS.
with a non-standard blending or treating material. When this
imported distilled spirits. Acceptable statements include
is the case, the product must be labeled with a truthful and
“Product of (insert name of country)” or “Produced in (insert
NET CONTENTS adequate statement of composition such as “Rum with
name of country).”
natural flavors.” These products will also bear a mandatory
The net contents of a distilled spirit container must be stated fanciful name, such as “Spiced Rum.”
in metric units of measure. Distilled spirits must be bottled in
sizes of 1.75 L, 1 L, 750 ml, 375 ml, 200 ml, 100 ml, or 50
ml. A can must be filled to 355 ml, 200 ml, 100 ml, or 50 ml.