TTB Public Guidance

September 29, 2016
TTB G 2016-3

PRE-COLA PRODUCT EVALUATIONS FOR
DISTILLED SPIRITS PRODUCTS

The following chart lists the current pre-COLA product evaluation requirements for a number of distilled spirits products. An “X” in the table indicates that a pre-COLA product evaluation of the type shown is required as a condition of COLA approval for the product and must be obtained prior to applying for label approval. A copy of the approved pre- COLA document must be submitted with the COLA application. Descriptions of the pre- COLA product evaluations are provided in the text of Industry Circular 2018–6.

This chart is provided as general  guidance. Particular circumstances may dictate the need for  a pre-COLA product evaluation for a specific product even though no such requirement is indicated on the chart.

This chart will be updated from time to time as TTB policy changes. The date of the most recent revision is listed at the end of the chart.

PRODUCT

DOMESTIC (D) OR
IMPORTED (I)

LABORATORY ANALYSIS

PRE-IMPORT LETTER

FORMULA (TTB F 5100.51  or
TTB F 5110.38)

COMMENT

A Blend Of Straight Bourbon Whiskies Or Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskies

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY

I

-

-

-

A Blend Of Straight  Corn Whiskies  Or
Blended Straight  Corn Whiskies

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

A Blend Of Straight Malt  Whiskies  Or Blended Straight  Malt  Whiskies

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

A Blend Of Straight  Rye Malt  Whiskies Or Blended  Straight Rye Malt  Whiskies

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

A Blend Of Straight  Rye Whiskies  Or
Blended Straight  Rye Whiskies

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

A Blend Of Straight Wheat  Whiskies  Or
Blended Straight  Wheat  Whiskies

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

A Blend Of Straight Whiskies  Or Blended Straight  Whiskies

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

Advocaat

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Alcohol

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

Amaretto

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Anise

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Anisette

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Applejack

D

-

-

X*

*Formulas  required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may  be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is  distilled,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

X

-

-

Apricot Sour

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Aquavit

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Arack/Arak

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Armagnac

D

-

-

X*

*PRODUCT  OF FRANCE ONLY;
how ever, harmless coloring/flavoring/ blending
materials may  be added in the U.S.
If harmless coloring/
flavoring/blending  materials are added in the U.S.,  a formula is required.

I

-

-

-

Bitters

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Black  Russian

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Blended  Applejack  Or Applejack  – A
Blend

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Blended  Bourbon  Whisky Or Bourbon
Whisky  – A Blend

D

-

-

X

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY

I

-

-

-

Blended  Canadian  Whisky Or Canadian Whisky  – A Blend

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF CANADA ONLY

I

-

-

-

Blended  Corn  Whisky Or Corn Whisky  – A Blend

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Blended  Irish  Whisky Or Irish  Whisky  –
A Blend

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND  OR NORTHERN IRELAND  ONLY

I

-

-

-

Blended  Light  Whisky Or Light  Whisky  –
A Blend

D

-

-

X

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY

I

-

-

-

Blended  Malt  Whisky Or Malt  Whisky  – A
Blend

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Blended  Rye Malt  Whisky Or Rye Malt Whisky  – A Blend

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Blended  Rye Whisky  Or Rye Whisky  – A Blend

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Blended  Scotch Whisky  Or Scotch
Whisky  – A Blend

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF SCOTLAND ONLY

I

-

-

-

Blended  Wheat  Whisky Or Wheat
Whisky  – A Blend

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Blended  Whisky  Or Whisky – A Blend

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Bourbon Cordial/Bourbon  Liqueur

D

-

-

X

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY

I

-

-

-

Bourbon  Whisky

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY

I

-

-

-

Brandy  (Grape Only)

D

-

-

X*

*Formulas  required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may  be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is  distilled,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

-

-

-

Brandy  Alexander

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Brandy  Cordial/  Brandy Liqueur

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Cachaca

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF BRAZIL ONLY.

I

-

-

-

Calvados

D

-

-

X*

*PRODUCT  OF FRANCE ONLY;
how ever, harmless, coloring,
flavoring, or blending   materials may  be added in the U.S.  If harmless coloring,  flavoring, or blending  materials  are added in the U.S.,  a formula  is required.

I

-

-

-

Canadian  Whisky

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF CANADA ONLY

I

-

-

-

Cognac

D

-

-

X*

*PRODUCT  OF FRANCE ONLY;
how ever, sugar, caramel  and/or oak chip inf usion may  be added in the U.S.   If sugar, caramel  and/or oak chip inf usion are added  in the U.S.,  a formula is required.

I

-

-

-

Cordial

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Corn Whisky

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas/Pre-import   letter required only if harmless coloring,  flavoring, or blending materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, w ine, or caramel, singly  or in combination,  in a quantity  that does not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume of the finished product.

I

-

X*

-

Crème  De

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Curacao

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Distilled  Spirits  Specialty (Product
requiring a statement  of composition)

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Dried  Fruit Brandy  (e.g., “Raisin  Brandy”)

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas  required only if
harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending materials  are added, other than the follow ing:  sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy  is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the
same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is distilled,  singly  or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

X

-

-

Egg  Nog

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Flavored Brandy

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Flavored Gin

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Flavored Rum

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Flavored Vodka

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Flavored Whisky

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Fruit  Brandy (Other Than Grape, e.g.,
“Pear Brandy”)

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas  required only if
harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending materials  are added, other than the follow ing:  sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy  is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is  distilled,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

X

-

-

Gin  - Compound

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Gin  - Distilled

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

X

-

Gin  - Redistilled

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Gin  Cordial/Gin  Liqueur

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Goldw asser

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Grain Spirits

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

Grappa/Grappa  Brandy

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas  required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy  is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is  distilled,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

X

-

-

Imitation  Distilled  Spirits

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Immature   Brandy (Grape Only)

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas  required only if
harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending materials  are added, other than the follow ing:  sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy  is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is  distilled,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

-

-

-

Irish  Whisky

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND  OR NORTHERN IRELAND  ONLY

I

-

-

-

Kirschw asser

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Kummel

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Lees  Brandy (Any Kind)

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas  required only if
harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending materials  are added, other than the follow ing:  sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy  is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is  distilled,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

X

-

-

Light  Whisky

D

-

-

X*

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY
*Formulas required  only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, w ine, or caramel, singly  or in combination,  in a quantity  that does not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume of the finished product.

I

-

-

-

Liqueur

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Malt  Whisky

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas/Pre-import   letter required only if harmless coloring,  flavoring, or blending materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, w ine, or caramel,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity  that does  not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume  of the finished product.

I

-

X*

-

Marc  Brandy (Any Kind)

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas  required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy  is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is  distilled,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

X

-

-

Mescal/Mezcal

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF MEXICO  ONLY

I

-

-

-

Neutral  Brandy (Any Kind)

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas  required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy  is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is  distilled,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

X

-

-

Neutral  Spirits

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

Ouzo

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Peppermint   Schnapps

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Pisco

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF PERU OR
CHILE ONLY

I

-

-

-

Pomace  Brandy  (Any Kind)

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas  required only if
harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy  is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is  distilled,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

X

-

-

Powdered Distilled Spirits

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Raki

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Recognized  Cocktails

D

-

-

X*

*The  product must  appear in an industry-recognized bartending guide.

I

-

X*

-

Residue  Brandy  (Any Kind)

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas  required only if
harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy  is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is  distilled,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

X

-

-

Rock  And Bourbon

D

-

-

X

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY

I

-

-

-

Rock  And Brandy

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Rock  And Rum

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Rock  And Rye

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Rum

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas  required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, brow n sugar, molasses, or caramel,  singly  or in combination,  in a quantity  that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

-

-

-

Rum  Cordial/Rum  Liqueur

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Rye Cordial/Rye  Liqueur

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Rye Malt  Whisky

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas/Pre-import   letter
required only if harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending materials are added,  other than the follow ing:  sugar, w ine, or caramel,  singly  or in combination,  in a quantity  that does not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume of the finished product.

I

-

X*

-

Rye Whisky

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas/Pre-import   letter required only if harmless coloring,  flavoring, or blending materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, w ine, or caramel,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity  that does  not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume  of the finished product.

I

-

X*

-

Sambuca

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Scotch Whisky

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF SCOTLAND ONLY

I

-

-

-

Slivovitz

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas  required only if
harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, caramel,  fruit juice of the same type of fruit from w hich the brandy  is distilled  (for example, apple  juice may be added to apple  brandy), or w ine
fermented from juice  of the
same  type of fruit from w hich the brandy is distilled,  singly  or in combination,  in a quantity that does not exceed a total of 2 ½ percent by volume  of the
finished product.

I

X

-

-

Sloe  Gin

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Spirit  Whisky

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Straight  Bourbon Whisky

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY

I

-

-

-

Straight  Corn Whisky

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

Straight  Malt  Whisky

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

Straight  Rye Malt  Whisky

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

Straight  Rye Whisky

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

Straight  Whisky

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

Substandard  Brandy

D

-

-

X

 

I

X

-

-

Tequila

D

-

-

-

PRODUCT  OF MEXICO  ONLY

I

-

-

-

Triple  Sec

D

-

-

X

 

I

-

X

-

Vodka

D

-

-

-

 

I

-

-

-

Wheat  Whisky

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas/Pre-import   letter
required only if harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending materials are added,  other than the follow ing: sugar, w ine, or caramel, singly  or in combination,  in a quantity  that does not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume of the finished product.

I

-

X*

-

Whisky

D

-

-

X*

* Formulas/Pre-import   letter required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials are added,  other than the follow ing:
sugar, w ine, or caramel,  singly or in combination,  in a quantity  that does not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume of the finished product.

I

-

X*

-

Whisky  Distilled  From Bourbon Mash

D

-

-

X*

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY
* Formulas required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, w ine, or caramel,  singly  or in combination,  in a quantity  that does not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume of the finished product.

I

-

-

-

Whisky  Distilled  From Malt Mash

D

-

-

X*

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY
* Formulas required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, w ine, or caramel,  singly  or in combination,  in a quantity  that does not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume of the finished product.

I

-

-

-

Whisky  Distilled From Rye Malt  Mash

D

-

-

X*

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY
* Formulas required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, w ine, or caramel,  singly  or in combination,  in a quantity  that does not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume of the finished product.  .

I

-

-

-

Whisky  Distilled From Rye Mash

D

-

-

X*

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY
* Formulas required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, w ine, or caramel,  singly  or in combination,  in a quantity  that does not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume of the finished product.

I

-

-

-

Whisky  Distilled From Wheat  Mash

D

-

-

X*

PRODUCT  OF U.S. ONLY
* Formulas required only if harmless  coloring, flavoring, or blending  materials  are added, other than the follow ing: sugar, w ine, or caramel,  singly  or in combination,  in a quantity  that does not exceed 2 ½ percent by volume of the finished product.

I

-

-

-

 

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Questions? For more information about alcohol beverage formulas, contact the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division at 202-453-2250 or toll free at 866-927-ALFD (2533), or contact ALFD online.

For questions about submitting samples to the TTB lab, contact the Scientific Services Division online.

 

TTB G: 2016-3
OPR: ALFD
Last updated: September 29, 2016

Page last updated: September 29, 2016
Page last updated: September 29, 2016
Maintained by: Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division