I am excited to share that I recently joined Ria Windcaller on the renowned Cider Chat podcast for a deep and engaging conversation about Pommeau, its history, and how U.S. producers are increasingly exploring this traditional French beverage. The episode, 478: Pommeau: What Happens When a French Classic Lands on…
Category: Federal Law
What the 2025 U.S. Federal Government Shutdown Means for Alcohol Beverage Companies
As of October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government has entered a shutdown, and this has direct implications for wine businesses that rely on federal agencies like the TTB and FDA. Below is a quick overview of what alcohol beverage companies should expect: Impacts on TTB Impacts on FDA Effect…
The Rise of No- and Low-Alcohol Wines: How TTB and FDA Divide Oversight
The demand for no- and low-alcohol beverages has exploded in recent years. From health-conscious consumers seeking moderation to younger demographics embracing mindful drinking, wineries are increasingly exploring how dealcoholized or reduced-alcohol products might fit into their portfolios. While the trend is promising, the regulatory framework in the United States can…
FDA Plans to Revoke Standards for Over 50 Foods
The FDA has announced plans to eliminate or propose eliminating Standards of Identity (“SOIs”) for 52 food items, stating that many of these regulations are outdated. These standards, which have existed since 1939, define what ingredients and production methods are required for certain foods like milk, peanut butter, ketchup, and jam. FDA Commissioner…
New York’s Reciprocal Shipping Law Faces Legal Challenge from California Spirits Brand
A recent federal lawsuit filed by Ad Obscura LLC (The Obscure Distillery,) a California-based craft spirits producer, against the New York State Liquor Authority (“NYSLA”) could have significant implications for interstate liquor shipping regulations in the United States according to Food & Wine‘s April 21, 2025 article titled “This Lawsuit…
TTB Proposes New Requirements for Mandatory Food Allergen and Alcohol Facts on Wine, Spirits, and Malt Beverage Labels
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) is revisiting its rulemaking on labeling alcoholic beverages with allergen information and Alcohol Facts, including per-serving alcohol content, calorie count, and nutrient details. In January 2025, TTB published Notice No. 238 and Notice No. 237 on the Federal Register, allowing for…
TTB Introduces New Standards of Fill for Wine and Distilled Spirits
On January 10, 2025, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) issued a final rule introducing new standards of fill for wine and distilled spirits containers. These amendments not only expand the allowable container sizes but also provide increased flexibility for industry members while offering consumers greater purchasing options. Key…
TTB Establishes New Standard of Identity American Single Malt Whiskey
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) issued a final rule, effective January 19, 2025, establishing “American single malt whisky” as an official type of whiskey produced in the United States. This decision follows petitions and comments from distillers and the American Single Malt Whisky Commission, aiming to…
2024 Year in Review: Key Legal Trends in the Alcohol Beverage Industry
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,…
TTB Broadens List of Beer Ingredients Exempt from Formula Approval Requirements through TTB Industry Circular 2024-2
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) released Industry Circular 2024-2 on December 5, 2024, which provides an expanded list of beer ingredients exempt from formula approval requirements. The new Circular added 24 additional ingredients that brewers can use in their beers without needing to obtain a formula…
