I noticed during the holidays TTB approval times shortened considerably as the dates moved forward in time per their schedule. This is a formality to the Recipe approval dated 11/20/14
Currently, TTB is now working on 12/5/14 apps with 44 day turnaround time. Processing Times for Label Applications Current Label Processing Times Chart http://www.ttb.gov/labeling/processing-times.shtml
Heck, tomorrow they could be working on 12/8/14 with a processing time of 30 days, meaning a huge batch just went through.
PART 13—LABELING PROCEEDINGS Subpart B—Definitions §13.11 Meaning of terms. Certificate of label approval. A certificate issued on Form 5100.31 that authorizes the bottling or packing of wine, distilled spirits, or malt beverages, or the removal of bottled wine, distilled spirits, or malt beverages from customs custody for introduction into commerce, as long as the project bears labels identical to the labels affixed to the face of the certificate, or labels with changes authorized by the certificate.
Distinctive liquor bottle. A liquor bottle of distinctive shape or design.
Distinctive liquor bottle approval. Approval issued on Form 5100.31 that authorizes the bottling of distilled spirits, or the removal of bottled distilled spirits from customs custody for introduction into commerce, as long as the bottle is identical to the photograph affixed to the face of the form. http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5&node=27:1.0.1.1.11#se27.1.13_121