<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Unfortunately, we cannot put this controversy to rest. The information
Marge's correspondent received from a liquor distributor is completely
false.

US ATF regulations most certainly do allow additives after distillation, and
this is spelled out in detail. "Harmless coloring, flavoring or blending
materials" may be added after distillation except to bourbon and (plain)
vodka, and *without* label disclosure. There is no limitation on additives
which are an "essential component part" of the particular type of liquor,
but otherwise the "harmless" materials may be up to 2-1/2 %. And the first
three examples given of such of "harmless" materials are "caramel, straight
malt, or straight rye malt whiskes". You can hardly get more grain-based
than that! Need I mention that these materials cannot be regarded as
"harmless" to celiacs?

Not only can they be added, it is done routinely. And while standards for
scotch and tequila are regulated by Scotland and Mexico respectively, it is
no secret in the industry that caramel color is routinely added to scotch
and aged tequilas for uniformity, and that label disclosure is not required.

There are many other regulations, but here's another example: "flavored"
liquors, a class which includes flavored brandy, rum, gin, vodka and whisky,
only needs to have the predominant flavor shown as part of the name
designation (e.g., lime vodka), and the flavorings must be "natural";
nothing further need be disclosed.

Anyone interested in viewing the regulations may contact me off-list.

Please, people, consider the reliability of your sources. Asking an employee
of a liquor distributor for this information is like asking the cashiers at
your supermarket if a product is GF and staking your health on their answer.

Dave Westheimer
Minneapolis, MN, USA