2. Product Categories

Whisky
USA

This section provides the regulatory definition of the food category in scope, or the appropriate food category for the product in scope. Additionally, it provides the food products that belong to this food category along with the definition and specific information on each of these types of food products.

2.1 Category Name & Definition

General Food

Definition

“Food” is defined as “articles used for food or drink for man or other animals, chewing gum, and articles used for components of any such article" [1]. 

Category Name

Alcoholic Beverages 

Definition [2]

2.2 Product & Definition

Whisky 

Definition [3] 

Specifications/Target Age

There are 18 types of products described in legislation, including 3 that are distinctive of certain geographical areas outside the USA, that define the minimum grain content, age requirement, and percent alcohol for each type of whisky [3] (see Tables 1 and 2 in Section 3.8 of this guidebook). 

Additional Information

Most of the whisky types require storage in charred, new oak barrels for some period of time. Please refer to Table 1 in Section 3.8 of this guidebook. 

2.3 References

1. Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-973/pdf/COMPS-973.pdf  

2. 27 CFR 5.1 “Distilled spirits" 

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/part-5#p-5.1(Distilled%20spirits)

3. 27 CFR 5.143

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/section-5.143