You'd think that a guy who reps rums, and poses as the Minister of Rum would know the regs, right? Let's see...
Let's summarize. The thread is about a Sri Lankan "arrack" that is labeled ""Pure Distilled Coconut Spirit; "Ingredients: Water, Coconut Spirits, Caramel, Sugar." The Preacher was "surprised" this label was approved.
Preacher re Arrack from Sri Lanka: "I'm surprised that Pure Distilled Coconut Spirit got by the friendly folks at the Certificate of Label Approval desk at the TTB. The word Pure carries a lot of baggage."
It's Really No Surprise at all...
Apparently the Prophet of Rum is not aware of the regulations, which under heavy lobbying, were left nicely vague. All the regs really say is that statements of "purity" will be reviewed. Simply put, in this case they were reviewed and, uh, approved.
Yet the Preacher is surprised? He shouldn't have been.
(emphasis added)Section 27 CFR 5.42 (5): The word "pure" shall not be stated upon labels unless:
(i) It refers to a particular ingredient used in the production of the distilled spirits, and is a truthful representation about that ingredient; or
(ii) It is part of the bona fide name of a permittee or retailer for whom the distilled spirits are bottled; or
(iii) It is part of the bona fide name of the permittee who bottled the distilled spirits.
That oughta be clear enough for any idiot, not least me - but apparently not clear enough for our good Prophet who seems to reject any use of the word "pure". It is perfectly clear that "Pure Distilled Coconut Spirit" is simply and totally accurate, as the main ingredient is in fact, pure coconut flower sap, which is then fermented, distilled and bottled. Simple, honest and in compliance with the regulations. Assuming of course that you've read and understand them.
It should also be noted that Sri Lanka is notable for making it's arrack from the pure and fermented flowers of coconut trees to produce "toddy". The Wiki states these are gathered by hand by workers called "toddy tappers" who actually walk tightropes stretched across the top of the coconut palm trees. The Sri Lankans take great pride in the purity of their coconut-based arrack which is distilled to 60-90%, and sometimes aged up to 15 years!
Impressive. The Wiki also states that drinkers experience this arrack as both whisky and rumlike, but uniquely different than both. Sounds delicious, eh?
Bottom Line
Barstool experts are famous for their speculative opinions which they then spew with unjustified surety. As for this case (and unlike the Preacher) I'm not surprised at al.
The descriptor "pure" is in no way disallowed, but it will be reviewed for accuracy (usually based on reference to an ingredient, in this case coconut). Thus we can be confident this label was carefully reviewed - and sorry Preach - approved. You can lower your eyebrows now.
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Special Note: For those who dare, I'd suggest you try to find and taste a Sri Lankan (coconut) arrack, particularly one that is aged. I'm gonna try...
