Quality Assurance & Compliance Flashcards

What is the significance of 'char level' in bourbon barrel quality assurance?

Answer: Char level affects the rate of flavor compound extraction and filtration of sulfur compounds

The char layer acts as a filter and flavor contributor, with deeper chars producing more carbon filtration and caramel notes.

A compliance auditor reviews a distillery's records and finds a gap of 3 days in daily gauge records. What regulation is most directly implicated?

Answer: 27 CFR Part 19 requires daily recording of spirits on hand in bonded storage

27 CFR Part 19 mandates that DSPs maintain daily records of all spirits in bonded premises to account for every gallon of taxable product.

Which process is used to stabilize bourbon at low temperatures before bottling to prevent haze formation in cold climates?

Answer: Chill filtration

Chill filtration chills the spirit to precipitate fatty acids and esters that would otherwise cloud the bottle in cold conditions.

Under TTB requirements, how long must a distillery retain records of its spirits operations?

Answer: 3 years

TTB regulations under 27 CFR Part 19 require that distilled spirits plant records be retained for a minimum of 3 years.

A QA technician detects a strong barnyard or 'horse blanket' aroma in new distillate. Which compound class is most likely responsible?

Answer: Ethyl phenols from wild yeast or bacterial contamination

Ethyl phenols, particularly 4-ethylphenol, are hallmarks of Brettanomyces or Lactobacillus contamination and produce barnyard-like off-notes.

What does 'proof gallon' mean in the context of federal excise tax on bourbon?

Answer: One liquid gallon of spirits at 100 proof (50% ABV)

A proof gallon is defined as one wine gallon (231 cubic inches) containing 50% ethanol by volume, and is the unit of federal excise tax assessment.

Which TTB program allows small domestic distillers to pay a reduced federal excise tax rate on the first 100,000 proof gallons removed per year?

Answer: Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA)

The CBMA, made permanent in 2020, allows domestic distillers to pay $2.70/proof gallon on the first 100,000 proof gallons rather than the standard $13.50 rate.