The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) provides that the following malt beverages are deemed generic under 27 CFR 7.24(g):

• "Imperial Russian Stout"
• "Russian Imperial Stout"
• "Scotch Ale"
• "Scottish Ale"

TTB made the determination regarding "Imperial Russian Stout" and "Russian Imperial Stout" on July 20, 2005, and regarding "Scotch Ale" and "Scottish Ale" on December 1, 2006.

By usage and common knowledge these malt beverages have lost their geographical significance to such an extent that they have become a generic type of malt beverage.  TTB therefore considers these types of malt beverages to be generic names within the meaning of 27 CFR 7.146(b).

Accordingly, brewers may use "Imperial Russian Stout" or "Russian Imperial Stout" and "Scotch Ale" or "Scottish Ale" on labels to describe this type of malt beverage without the addition of any qualifying statements, such as "type", "American", etc.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division (ALFD) toll free at (866) 927-ALFD (2533) or Submit an Online Inquiry.