We thought it would be good to have a tag for unusual containers, and this would rather appear to fit the bill. This is Dan Aykroyd’s new vodka. Many thanks to Rob Masters, Distiller at Colorado Pure Distilling, for alerting us to this. The Intoxicologist and Dan explain.

If the above sounds grotesque, you may need to get used to it. Egg whites, fish protein and milk are commonly used in alcohol beverages. New allergen rules may require much more frequent disclosure, on many more labels in the near future. TTB’s qualification says “The disclosure of allergens used in this product is voluntary, pending final rulemaking (See Notice No. 62, 71 FR 42329).”

It appears that this winery was not allowed to call their 17.1% alc./vol. dessert wine a Port Wine, because it’s made and bottled in Florida rather than Portugal. But rather than give up and call it something boring, they found a witty but fairly subtle and lawyerly way to get their point across.

The McCain campaign is not alone in reaching out for this tried and true brand, the Maverick. A fair number of winemakers have proclaimed their independence with the same descriptor. Maverick – Above the Law is a South Australia Shiraz. Four Vines is an Amador County Zinfandel, and is not just independent but “fiercely independent.”

TTB is highly unlikely to approve John McCain beer anytime soon. Not because he can’t win. But because TTB is reluctant to approve labels referring to Presidents of the United States. Despite this, many companies come very close to this line. Above is Obama Ale. Here is an Illinois wine celebrating the debate between Lincoln and Douglas. And some might see our current President here.