What is the minimum ABV required for brandy to be bottled in the US?

Brandy must have a minimum alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40% to be bottled in the United States. This regulation is set to ensure consistency in the quality and profile of brandy. The 40% ABV standard aligns with the characteristics sought in spirits, providing a balance of potency and flavor that is expected in distilled beverages. This level is also a common threshold among various spirits categories, enabling brandy to compete with other liquors in terms of market presence and consumer expectations. Thus, choosing 40% ABV as the minimum reflects both legal standards and the traditional essence of brandy as a distilled spirit.