We’re excited to welcome MKD Collective to the FIVE x 5 Distillery Consulting Partner network! If you haven’t met her yet, MKD Collective is led by Katie Gezon, who brings more than a decade of experience in the alcohol and beverage industry. She’s managed operations at Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, and Pepsi, leading large production teams and…
Gauging of Obscured Spirits by Weight
This is an advanced-level article that presumes working knowledge of gauging and proofing terms and methodologies. It includes excerpts from an article entitled Proofing and Gauging that I wrote for Craft Spirits Magazine, as well as presentations I’ve given over the years. If you have product on hand that has 6g/Liter or more of dissolved…
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Usually Not Legal: Receiving Cans by Transfer in Bond
This post is intended to be a quick Public Service Announcement since we’ve observed an increase in this type of transaction. Both copackers and distillers are routinely running afoul of regulations surrounding Transfer in Bond of bottled/canned product, by sending and receiving canned product via Transfer in Bond. Unless the copacker and their distillery client…
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Three Loopholes/Gimmes From the TTB You Are Missing Out On
TTB regulations are stiff for the most part, but if you are a careful student, you can find some regulatory “freebies” that can save you significant amounts of time and money. Here, we’ll cover three of the most important ones. 1) You Don’t Have to Take Physical Inventory of Barrels This one’s a bit tricky because…
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Voluntary Destruction vs. Losses – What’s Taxable?
At first glance, you might wonder why regulations distinguish between Voluntary Destruction and Losses. The key differences: In either case, you’re typically not taxed on the quantity lost/destroyed – but let’s dive in deeper. Voluntary Destruction Voluntary Destruction is covered in 27 CFR 19.459, which states: A proprietor may voluntarily destroy spirits […] or wines…
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To Sell or Not to Sell: Setting Your Distillery Up for Success
A good buyer will provide capital for growth — a great one will work with you to ensure that both the business and its unique culture thrive.
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New Formulation Checklist
Are you working on a new formulation? Here’s a few common ‘gotchas’ to watch out for: Does this seem daunting? If you’d like help with Formula requirements, COLAs/Labels, or any other DSP operations we’re here to help. Reach out here to schedule time on my calendar and take your operations to the next level. Tyler…
The TTB is Tightening Up Enforcement of Permit-Related Regulations
All Distilled Spirits proprietors need to know about two substantial changes in in TTB Enforcement standing policy. 1. Change in Ownership Reporting If you have a change in ownership of your business, you must report that change to TTB via a Permit Amendment within 30 days. Reportable changes include: change of controlling interest, change of 10%+…
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Proofing and Gauging: The Hydrometer/Thermometer Method
The TTB is charged with two primary missions: protect revenue and protect consumer. Because of this focus, they are very concerned with alcohol content measurement in distilled spirits plants – an underproof product shortchanges the consumer, while an overproof product shortchanges the government its excise tax; enter proofing and gauging. Accordingly, 27 CFR has strict…
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How to Choose the Right Equipment for Your DSP
Selecting the right equipment for your new DSP is a challenge. Even if you have the budget to purchase everything brand new, many of the items you need have long lead-times and require professional installation. Plus, everything you buy must work together. What is a new distillery to do? The best option is to seek…
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