Distilled spirits: tastings: food preparation: whiskey.

Existing law, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, authorizes distilled spirits tastings to be conducted by a distilled spirits manufacturer's licensee or a craft distiller's licensee on the licensee's premises if (1) the total volume of tastings does not exceed 1½ ounces per individual per day, (2) the tastings only include the products authorized to be produced or bottled by or for the licensee, and (3) no person under 21 years of age serves tastes of distilled spirits. This bill would permit tastings to include an alcohol not produced or bottled by or for the licensee if the alcohol is used as a modifier in a cocktail and is purchased from a licensed wholesaler. Existing law authorizes a licensed craft distiller to sell all beers, wines, brandies, or distilled spirits to consumers for consumption on the premises in a bona fide public eating place, as defined, and permits beer, wine, and brandy to be used in the preparation of food and beverages, as provided. This bill would additionally permit distilled spirits to be used in the preparation of food and beverages. Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for a person to sell at retail any potable spirituous liquor product labeled as whiskey, including blended whiskey and blends of straight whiskeys, except products containing 20% or more of straight whiskey or whiskeys that have been aged in charred oak containers for 3 or more years after distillation and before bottling, except as provided. This bill would repeal that provision.