Vodka Specialties vs Vodka- Other Flavored

[Pour Decisions]

We'll be making up some flavored vodkas to have available in our tasting room. Will be using extracts from Sovereign and others and I'm working on finalizing recipes etc. While looking through some of the COLA's out there, I see both Vodka Specialties and Vodka- Other Flavored as class/type for some flavored vodka's. Through a recent TTB Formula webinar I have learned how to use one formula across all my flavors, but assumed they would fall under Vodka- Other flavored class/type.

Does anyone know the difference between these two types? Do I make this determination during formula filing or does the TTB Formula Specialist make it based on the formula?

[Thatch]

1 hour ago, Pour Decisions said:

Does anyone know the difference between these two types? Do I make this determination during formula filing or does the TTB Formula Specialist make it based on the formula?

Keep in mind that DSS is only for spirits that do not meet the criteria for any other category.  If your only adding TTB approved flavoring and sugar and are above 60 proof you are a Flavored Vodka.  My guess is any Vodka that is a DSS does not meet the below criteria.

FLAVORED VODKA¹ · Vodka flavored with natural flavoring materials, with or without the addition of sugar, bottled at not less than 30% alcohol by volume (60 proof) · The name of the predominant flavor shall appear as part of the class and type designation, e.g., “Orange Flavored Vodka” · Wine may be added but if the addition exceeds 2½% by volume of the finished product, the classes and/or types and percentages (by volume) of wine must be stated as part of the class and type designation

[Pour Decisions]

I hadn't put it together that the Vodka- Specialties nomenclature was their way of stating DSS for a Vodka Specialty. I'd be just flavored vodka then.

 

Thanks