Distilled Spirits Plant and Brewery Record-Keeping Readiness
Make daily entries on time, keep dump/batch and fill-test evidence complete and retain records for at least three years.
In Short
- Daily entries by next business day.
- Fill tests record corrective action.
- Keep records at least 3 years.
The Beverage & Liquid Manufacturing Guide
One blend tank. Every bottle traced.
- Which rules apply
- Blend, test, fill
- Hold, decide, trace
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The Beverage & Liquid Manufacturing Guide
One blend tank. Every bottle traced.
TTB regulations require distilled spirits plants (27 CFR Part 19) and breweries (27 CFR Part 25) to keep records showing what was received, produced, moved, bottled and removed. This guide covers the core production records, entry timing, monthly reports and retention. It does not cover tax rates, permits, label approval or state rules. Orientation, not legal or tax advice. Sources checked 4 Oct 2026.
Records that follow the spirits
Section 19.571 requires a distilled spirits plant to keep records that accurately reflect operations across its three accounts: production, storage and processing. The records must show receipts into each account, movements between accounts, transfers in bond and withdrawals.
More on records that follow the spirits
Section 19.572 does not require a particular format: paper or electronic records are acceptable if they can be produced readily in hard copy for TTB, and records made in the ordinary course of business can serve. Section 19.576 requires a legible reproduction when an original becomes unsuitable.
Entry Timing and Access
Under 19.580(a), daily record entries are made for each transaction or operation no later than the close of the next business day. If supplemental records containing all required information are made when the operation happens, the daily records may be completed by the close of the third business day.
More on entry Timing and Access
Section 19.574 requires records to be available to TTB officers during business hours and, when kept elsewhere, produced at the plant on request, generally within two days; read the section for its exceptions.
Dump/Batch and Fill-Test Evidence
A plant that processes, mixes or blends spirits keeps dump/batch records under 19.598, including the batch or record serial number, kind and age of spirits with notes such as added caramel or oak chips, the tanks used, quantities of alcoholic and nonalcoholic ingredients, the source record and dates. Section 19.600 requires a record of every alcohol content and fill test: date and time, bottling tank and line, bottle size, number tested, labelled and found alcohol content, percentage variation from full fill and any corrective action.
Fill test record items (19.600)
Brewery Daily Records and Inventories
Under 25.292 a brewer keeps daily records showing quantities of materials received and used, beer and cereal beverage produced, transfers to and from bottling and racking, quantities bottled and racked, and removals, with the date and consignee for each removal of beer for consumption or sale. Section 25.293 adds records of wort ballings and of the ballings and alcohol content of beer transferred for bottling and racking.
More on brewery Daily Records and Inventories
Section 25.294 requires a physical inventory at least once each calendar month, which may be taken within seven days of the month's close.
Monthly Reports and Retention
Section 19.632 requires monthly reports of production, storage, processing and denaturing operations on the listed TTB forms, submitted by the 15th day of the following month, with a copy kept. Section 19.575 requires plant records to be kept for at least three years from the date of the record or its last required entry, whichever is later, and TTB may require up to three more years.
Worked Example: Batch DB-0412
- MonSpirits dumped to tank P-3; dump/batch record started
- Tue closeDaily entry for Monday's operation due
- WedBottling; fill test shows low fill, line adjusted, recorded
- 15th next monthMonthly reports submitted, copy kept
- 3 yearsEarliest disposal of these records
More on monthly Reports and Retention
Section 25.300 sets a similar minimum of three years for brewery records, kept at the brewery where the operation occurs.
Questions
Can our records be electronic?
Yes, under 19.572 for distilled spirits plants, provided they can be produced readily in hard copy for TTB officers.
When must a daily entry be made?
By the close of the next business day, or the third business day if complete supplemental records were made at the time (19.580(a)).
What must a fill test record show?
The items in 19.600, from date, tank and line through labelled and found alcohol content, fill variation and any corrective action.
How long are records kept?
At least three years (19.575, 25.300); TTB may require up to three more years for plant records.
Practical orientation, not legal advice. Rules differ by jurisdiction; your quality and compliance team decides what applies.