While it may be legal in some states, Federal law supersedes State law in most cases. At least from what I've been able to discern.
Federal Distillation Laws. Federal law states that it is legal to own a still of any size. ... However, be advised it is illegal to distill alcohol without having either a "distilled spirits permit" or a "federal fuel alcohol permit." It does not matter if the alcohol is for personal use only, not for sale, etc.
In Texas, where I'm at, the State allows for distilling for home use and not for sale. Federal law says you need a licence (running about $3000) regardless and that it is illegal without said licence.
I think this will eventually end up in a State vs. Federal issue in a court someday as home brewing moved from wine to beer back to spirits. Many places still call home distilling "moonshine" and all the negative connotations that brings up. Basically, when you distill liquor it is colorless. It's the aging that gives it that nice, caramel coloring we're looking for.
I'd love to buy some barrels that are for sale for making your own essential oils *winkwinknudgenudge*, char them and age some home distilled alcohol in them to see if I can make a semi-decent whiskey. If my beer brewing adventures tell me anything it will probably be best used to clean old car parts with.
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elancaster65 7 years ago
While it may be legal in some states, Federal law supersedes State law in most cases. At least from what I've been able to discern.
Federal Distillation Laws. Federal law states that it is legal to own a still of any size. ... However, be advised it is illegal to distill alcohol without having either a "distilled spirits permit" or a "federal fuel alcohol permit." It does not matter if the alcohol is for personal use only, not for sale, etc.
In Texas, where I'm at, the State allows for distilling for home use and not for sale. Federal law says you need a licence (running about $3000) regardless and that it is illegal without said licence.
YMMV.
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brian 7 years ago
Wow, that's good to know. I had no idea there were federal laws against it, I thought it was a state by state thing.
I would definitely only use one of these machines to distill water in that case.
I'm winking as I say that.
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elancaster65 7 years ago
Like I said, Your Mileage May Vary!
I think this will eventually end up in a State vs. Federal issue in a court someday as home brewing moved from wine to beer back to spirits. Many places still call home distilling "moonshine" and all the negative connotations that brings up. Basically, when you distill liquor it is colorless. It's the aging that gives it that nice, caramel coloring we're looking for.
I'd love to buy some barrels that are for sale for making your own essential oils *winkwinknudgenudge*, char them and age some home distilled alcohol in them to see if I can make a semi-decent whiskey. If my beer brewing adventures tell me anything it will probably be best used to clean old car parts with.
Reply