What is the minimum ABV at which gin must be bottled in the US?

In the United States, gin must be bottled at a minimum alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%. This standard ensures that the spirit retains its distinctive flavor and character, which is crucial for a beverage that relies on the botanical ingredients used in its production. Bottling gin at this level provides a balanced profile that showcases the juniper and other botanicals while still being palatable for consumers.

The minimum ABV is important for regulatory purposes, ensuring that products labeled as gin meet specified quality and authenticity standards. Options that propose a minimum ABV below 40% do not align with industry regulations, thus reinforcing the notion that gin, as a defined category of spirits, requires this specific threshold to be recognized legally as gin in the US.