Bulk Spirits
Bulk spirits are distilled spirits held in containers larger than consumer bottles, such as barrels, totes, or tanks, before bottling. They are tracked in proof gallons rather than cases.
In short: Bulk spirits are distilled spirits held in containers larger than consumer bottles, such as barrels, totes, or tanks, before bottling. They are tracked in proof gallons rather than cases.
Most of a distillery's inventory value sits in bulk: aging barrels and tanks of spirit not yet bottled. Tracking bulk spirits in proof gallons, with proof and volume per container, is what ties the storage account, valuation, and the eventual bottling run together.
How are bulk spirits bought and sold?
Bulk whiskey and other spirits trade between distilleries directly and through brokers, moving as transfers in bond between DSPs so no excise tax is due at transfer. Sourced whiskey brands are built on these purchases, and the paperwork on both sides must keep the spirit's age, class, and proof-gallon quantities intact.
How are bulk spirits measured?
Bulk inventory is measured in proof gallons per container, established by gauging: proof corrected to 60 degrees F and volume by weight or dip. On TTB reports bulk spirits live in the storage account until they move to processing for bottling.
Tracking this in a spreadsheet? Spirit Sight records it where it happens and builds inventory, compliance, and the books from the same entry. See it on a demo.
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