Russian Imperial Stout Deemed Generic Type of Malt Beverage
7/20/2005
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has determined that “Russian Imperial Stout” and “Imperial Russian Stout” by usage and common knowledge have lost their geographical significance to such an extent that they have become a generic type of malt beverage. TTB therefore considers “Russian Imperial Stout” and “Imperial Russian Stout” to be generic names within the meaning of 27 CFR 7.24(g).
Accordingly, brewers may use “Russian Imperial Stout” or “Imperial Russian Stout” on labels to describe this type of malt beverage without the addition of any qualifying statements, such as “type”, “American”, etc.
