After obtaining a permit for production of distilled spirits, the producer must obtain federal approval for the labeling of the product. This is done by obtaining a certificate of label approval (COLA). Depending on the product being produced at the distilled spirit plant, this may require a pre-COLA product evaluation.

The pre-COLA evaluation can consist of laboratory analysis, pre-import letter, or formula approval.

The TTB provides a calculator to determine if a pre-COLA evaluation is necessary: https://www.ttb.gov/formulation/do-I-need-a-formula.shtml 

The TTB also provides charts to determine if pre-COLA evaluation is necessary: https://www.ttb.gov/industry_circulars/archives/2007/pre-cola_eval_spirits.pdf 

If laboratory analysis is deemed necessary, a 750 ml sample with complete list of ingredients and a description of how the product was manufactured must be shipped to National Laboratory Center, Beverage Alcohol Laboratory 6000, Ammendale Road, Beltsville, MD 20705. This analysis can take up to a month. Chemical analysis will be conducted and, if determined to be generally recognized as safe, the formula application will be approved.

If formula approval is required, a producer may submit the Formula Approval Form (TTB F 5100.51) electronically through the use of the formula online system or a paper copy of TTB F 5110.38. Pre-import letter may be required for some imported products. Using the formula online system is highly encouraged.

The requirements for laboratory analysis, formula approval, and pre-import letter can be found here: https://www.ttb.gov/formulation/pre_cola.shtml 

Formula and Process for Domestic and Imported Alcoholic Beverages (TTB F 5100.51) can be found here:

https://www.ttb.gov/forms/f510051.pdf

Formula and COLAs online login can be found here: https://www.ttbonline.gov/ttbonline/ 

Once the pre-COLA requirements are fulfilled, the certificate of label approval can be obtained. This is done by submitting the labeling through COLA online or by paper submission via TTB F 5100.31. The label must be meet all legal requirements, which can be found in

the Beverage Alcohol Manual (BAM) Basic Mandatory Labeling Information for Distilled Spirits. Label approval can take up to a week for distilled spirits. Using the COLA online system is highly encouraged.

Beverage Alcohol Manual (BAM) Basic Mandatory Labeling Information for Distilled Spirits can be found at: https://www.ttb.gov/spirits/bam.shtml 

Approval of Bottle Sale in Oregon

After obtaining a Federal Permit for a DSP, Oregon distillery license, and COLA approval, a licensee may then obtain approval for the sale of distilled liquor by the bottle in Oregon.

This approval is attained by contacting the OLCC purchasing division at 503-872-5000 and providing proof of label approval by the TTB.

Tasting Room Privileges

After being approved for bottle sale in Oregon, tasting privileges for your establishment may be obtained by completing the Distillery Tasting Privilege Application (detailed in the Required Documentation for OLCC Distillery Licensing Application Packet section).

Direct Sale to Consumers

Once your license is approved for on-site tastings, you can seek approval to sell sealed containers of distilled liquor directly to consumer within premises of you DSP.

To become a distillery retail agent, contact the OLCC Retail Service Division at 503-872-5020 or via email at OLCC.RetailServices@state.or.us.

Ability to Sell Potable Ethanol for Industrial Uses

To sell potable ethanol for industrial uses, you need to obtain an Industrial Alcohol Permit (IAA), which allows you to sell to other holders of the permit. This could include food processors, flavor extraction companies, wineries, etc.

This permit is obtained by contacting the OLCC at 503-872-5034.

Other Distilling Information

Detailed information related to these privileges, information relating to special permits, and regulations regarding the sale of distilled liquor in Oregon can found in the OLCC’s “The Guide to the Manufacturing and Wholesaling Distilled Liquor in Oregon.”