Sub Rosa Spirits Labels Cause Controversy {Luxist}

Oct 15th 2007 10:51AM The comment "there 100 words you can't use on a liquor label. They can't tell you what they are unless you use them, and then you know...." was tongue-in-cheek. There are probably more than 100 words! Who knows what words you can or can't use. It often depends on the bureaucrat reviewing your label. One guy will okay a word or phrase. Next time you submit it, another will reject it. There There is little consistency.

In the Franz Kafka novel, 'In The Penal Colony' ... your crime was engraved into your back using old Germanic lettering and a huge arcane engraving device. You didn't know what your crime was until the engraving machine had etched it deeply into your backside a few dozen times. Deciphering Federal alcohol labeling rules was much the same experience. Every distillery, wine maker or brewer will have similar tales to tell.