New TTB Standard Allows Labeling of Pisco from Peru and Chile
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau issued a final rule adding a Pisco standard of identity. Effective July 15, pisco from Peru and Chile will be allowed to be identified as such on labeling, without including the term “brandy” on the label, provided it is manufactured according to the laws and regulations of those countries. In return, Peru and Chile will recognize Bourbon Whiskey and Tennessee Whiskey as distinctive products of the United States.
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The final rule adds pisco as a type of brandy under TTB’s regulations. Under the amended regulations, pisco from Peru may be identified as such without or without the diacritic mark (i.e., Pisco Peru or Pisco Perú). Chilean pisco may be identified in either English or Spanish (i.e., Chilean Pisco or Pisco Chileno). As in the proposed rule (see 12033015), TTB is setting a 40 percent (80 proof) alcohol by volume standard for the standard. Products labeled at below 40 percent alcohol by volume will fall outside the class and type designation, but depending on the way the product is manufactured may be labeled as a “diluted Pisco.” The final rule also exempts pisco from the normal requirement that grape brandies be stored in oak containers for at least two years.
The final rule also removes “Cognac” from the same list of examples of geographical names that are not names for distinctive types of distilled spirits, and that have not become generic. TTB said the change will provide more clarity in distilled spirits labeling.
(Federal Register 05/16/13)