LiveSwell · Contract-brew checklist · Draft v0
Recipe ownership is non-negotiable
A short list of terms and a disqualifier-first question set for LiveSwell contract-brewer calls. A craft-beverage attorney reviews any draft agreement before signing — full stop.
Legal notice
This is a working call-prep and negotiation checklist, not a term sheet and not legal advice. Any actual contract requires a craft-bev-experienced attorney.
Disqualifiers (Q1–Q3)
Ask these first — a red answer ends the call
- Q1. Will you brew a low-ABV product in the 1–4% ABV range, and have you done it before?Low-ABV capability & willingness — potential single-question no.
- Q2. What's your minimum batch or run size, in barrels and in finished cans?Fastest budget filter — minimum run vs. $15–40K budget.
- Q3. Roughly what would a first run cost, all-in (brewing + packaging)?Sanity-check vs. $15–40K.
Program fit (Q4–Q7)
If the disqualifiers clear, dig into the program
- Q4. Do you offer true private/white label (your license, my brand) or contract only?The brand-house model needs private label.
- Q5. Can you do recipe development / help dial in a low-ABV recipe, or do I bring a spec?Low-ABV is tricky to get right.
- Q6. What packaging formats and can sizes can you run?Cans for a low-ABV brand.
- Q7. What's your typical lead time from signed contract to finished cans?Launch timing.
Logistics & terms (Q8–Q11)
Close on the operational realities
- Q8. Do you handle TTB / state label approval and compliance, or is that on me?Regulatory load.
- Q9. Who holds cold storage post-packaging, and how does distribution pickup work?Fulfillment.
- Q10. If I later move production toward Monterey, can you support a transition or a second site?The 1–2 yr relocation.
- Q11. What are your payment terms and deposit structure?Cash-flow planning.
Eleven questions total (3 disqualifiers · 4 program · 4 logistics) — mirrors the LS Brewer Scout scorecard.
Term-sheet non-negotiables
Must appear, in writing, before signing
Recipe & brand IP
All recipes, procedures, and artwork remain LiveSwell property. Contract brewer receives a limited, non-transferable license to produce only for us.
Minimums & exit
Initial run only, with option (not obligation) to renew. 60-day exit notice max. No annual bbl commitment tied to volume discounts we won't yet hit.
Tank time & QA
Guaranteed calendar slots for the next N runs. Written QA thresholds (ABV ±0.2%, IBU ±5, DO < 50 ppb at pkg). Rejection rights on any out-of-spec batch.
CCV traceability
Batch-level production records tied to campaign SKU, sufficient to compute per-can donation cleanly for CT-6CF filings.
Red flags
If you hear any of these, slow down
- ⚠️ 'We'll figure out recipe ownership later.'
- ⚠️ Silent on exit terms or requires 12+ month notice
- ⚠️ Insurance requirements shift material risk to us
- ⚠️ Any co-mingling of our wort with another brand's
- ⚠️ No traceable batch records for CCV donation attribution
- ⚠️ Reluctance to put low-ABV QA benchmarks in writing