Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to Barrel Cult ("we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website, applications, and services (collectively, the "Platform"). The Platform is a social community for adults of legal age to catalog, share, and discuss bourbon, whiskey, scotch, and related spirits and tobacco products. By creating an account or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you may not use the Platform.

2. Eligibility & Age Verification

The Platform is intended only for users who are of legal drinking age in their country or region (e.g., 21 years or older in the United States) and, where applicable, of legal age to purchase or possess tobacco products. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that:

• You meet the minimum age requirement in your jurisdiction.
• You have accurately completed any age verification we require.
• You will not allow any minor to access the Platform through your account.

We may use age verification at signup or from time to time. Providing false information about your age is a material breach of these Terms and may result in immediate account termination and reporting to authorities where required by law.

3. Account Registration & Security

You must provide accurate, current, and complete information when registering. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and for all activity under your account. You must notify us promptly of any unauthorized use. We are not liable for any loss arising from unauthorized use of your account.

4. Acceptable Use — What Is Not Permitted

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. The following conduct is strictly prohibited:

Alcohol & Tobacco

• Advertising, offering, or facilitating the sale or transfer of alcohol or tobacco between users through the Platform (including direct sales, auctions, or unlicensed distribution).
• Encouraging or enabling consumption by anyone under the legal drinking or tobacco age.
• Promoting excessive or irresponsible consumption of alcohol.
• Violating any local, state, federal, or international laws regarding alcohol or tobacco (e.g., shipping alcohol without a license, selling to minors).

General Conduct

• Harassment, bullying, hate speech, threats, or discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.
• Impersonating another person, entity, or brand.
• Posting content that is defamatory, obscene, or infringes another's intellectual property or privacy rights.
• Spam, phishing, malware, or any activity designed to disrupt or compromise the Platform or other users.
• Scraping, automated access, or use of the Platform in a way that overrides or circumvents our systems or policies.
• Using the Platform for any illegal purpose or in violation of any applicable law.

We reserve the right to remove content and suspend or terminate accounts that violate these rules. Repeated or serious violations may result in permanent ban and reporting to law enforcement where appropriate.

5. User Content & Intellectual Property

You retain ownership of content you post (e.g., photos, tasting notes, profile information). By posting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, display, and distribute that content in connection with operating the Platform (e.g., showing your collection to your friends). You represent that you have the right to post such content and that it does not infringe any third-party rights.

Barrel Cult's name, logo, and the design of the Platform are our intellectual property. You may not copy, modify, or use them without our prior written consent.

6. No Sales of Alcohol or Tobacco Through the Platform

Barrel Cult is a cataloging and social platform. We do not sell alcohol or tobacco, and we do not allow users to sell or transfer alcohol or tobacco to other users through the Platform. Any marketplace or transaction features (if offered) are for non-regulated items only or for connecting users with licensed retailers; you must comply with all applicable laws regarding age verification, licensing, and shipping. We are not a party to any transaction between users and disclaim all liability arising from such transactions.

7. Disclaimers

• Responsible consumption. Alcohol and tobacco can cause health risks and addiction. We encourage responsible consumption and compliance with local laws. We are not responsible for any harm resulting from your or others' use of alcohol or tobacco.
• No professional advice. Content on the Platform (including tasting notes and discussions) is for informational and social purposes only. It does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice.
• "As is" service. The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee uninterrupted, error-free, or secure operation.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Barrel Cult and its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits, data, or goodwill, arising from your use of the Platform. Our total liability for any claims related to the Platform shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim (or one hundred U.S. dollars if you have not paid us). Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations; in such cases, our liability will be limited to the fullest extent permitted by law.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Barrel Cult and its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from (a) your use of the Platform, (b) your violation of these Terms or any law, or (c) your violation of any third-party rights or any content you post.

10. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account and access to the Platform at any time, with or without cause or notice, including for violation of these Terms. You may terminate your account at any time through your account settings or by contacting us. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. Sections that by their nature should survive (e.g., disclaimers, limitation of liability, indemnification, governing law) will survive termination.

11. Governing Law & Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising from these Terms or the Platform shall be resolved in the state or federal courts having jurisdiction over the matter. You agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of such courts. Users outside the United States may have additional rights under local law.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will post the updated Terms on this page and update the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree, you must stop using the Platform. For material changes, we may provide additional notice (e.g., email or in-app notice) where required by law.

13. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: