If you’re thinking of producing your own Moonshine in the US, It’s critical to understand the laws applicable to alcohol making in the country. While federal laws on home alcohol distilling are uniform across the country, state laws differ.

You also need to know that Moonshine can be legitimate or illegal depending on the state you come from. Here, we dive deeper into laws about alcohol making and explore the states where it is legal to make Moonshine.

Federal Laws on Alcohol Making 

Federal laws approve a still of any size for decoration, water purification, and distilling of essential oils. You don’t need any approval from any entity when your equipment is for the above-mentioned objectives. 

But when you want to use your still for distilling spirits, Moonshine inclusive, you must obtain specific permits from the relevant federal bodies. Remember, you’ll fall afoul of the law if you operate a home alcohol still without the necessary federal licenses explained below:

• Federal Distilled Permit: The Federal Distilled Permit is an approval that allows businesses to start alcohol distilling business. Obtaining the permit can be challenging because you’ll face multiple legal hurdles. A Federal Distilled Permit is expensive and hard to get for a homebrewer.
• Fuel Alcohol Permit: The Fuel Alcohol Permit is a straightforward option for those who don’t need to run a distillery. Moonshiners who want to use this permit to make ‘consumable’ alcohol can offend federal laws. The license can only shield you when you want to manufacture ethanol to power a machine.

State Distillation Laws

Distilling laws across different states are different. While some states forbid owning a still, others may permit individuals to own distillation equipment. For example, in North Carolina, you can only possess a home still if you obtain a state fuel alcohol permit. 

Furthermore, some states lack laws to clarify whether it’s legal to make Moonshine. Before starting your Moonshine-making journey, ensure you understand what your state’s law requires. Remember, if it’s illegal to make Moonshine in your state, you may risk being jailed or fined heavily.

States where you can or can’t make your own Moonshine in the US

Different states have laws that prohibit or allow the making of home Moonshine. The states explored here either allow or prohibit the distillation of homemade Moonshine.

1. Alabama 

While some counties still prohibit still ownership in Alabama, others allow the possession of this equipment. However, making Moonshine with it is illegal in those counties where you can own distillation equipment. Alabama liquor laws state that it’s illegal to have Moonshine, regardless of your county. In fact, it is currently a felony for any person, firm, or corporation to distill, make, or manufacture any malted or mixed liquors, alcoholic beverages, or spirituous alcoholic liquors for personal or commercial use.

2. Alaska

Like Alabama, Alaska has two categories of counties: those that prohibit home ownership of a still and those that allow the possession of the equipment. What differentiates Alaska and Alabama is that the former permits the distillation of private liquors in small amounts. However, it’s illegal to make Moonshine at home in the state. For the making of personal spirits, Alaska’s wet counties have the following requirements:

• Household with two adult individuals: the home can produce a maximum of 200 gallons of spirit per year.
• Household with one adult: The household can generate 100 gallons per year.

3. Arizona 

This state’s laws allow owning a registered still that you can use to make liquor for private domestic use. However, to make spirits at home, you must seek permission from the relevant licensing bodies. The law enforcers in the state can seize your still equipment if you lack a permit. Arizona liquor laws further demand that one must have a bond that requires maintaining comprehensive records, providing enough equipment, and a detached house to generate Moonshine. You should also note that the laws prohibit you from distributing your Moonshine to individuals below 21.

4. California

California requires you to register your still when you want to use it to make alcohol. You can get your license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverages Control. The state’s laws are unclear as your still can be seized even when you’re not using it to make Moonshine. You can only be safe when you get a permit from the state, allowing you to own and operate your still.

5. Colorado

Colorado liquor laws allow individuals to own a still. If you want to use your still to manufacture Moonshine, you must obtain relevant licenses. Remember, making and distributing Moonshine is illegal in Colorado without a permit. The law in this state is lenient on Moonshine. If you’re caught with the drink, you can only pay a maximum fine of $1000 or get imprisoned for at least three months.

6. Maine

The state of Maine issues either a distillery or a micro-distillery license. The distillery license allows one to make, mix, and produce over 50,000 gallons of spirit annually. On the other hand, a micro-distillery permit allows an individual to create, correct, and blend a maximum of 50,000 gallons of spirits in 12 months. Bear in mind that the micro-distillery has an off-premises permit fee of $100.

7. Missouri

Missouri permits households of over two adults to own a still and produce a maximum of 200 liters of Moonshine. The state allows the production of Moonshine but prohibits its sale. If you’re caught selling Moonshine, you’ll be fined $10,000 for the first time.

8. Massachusetts 

In Massachusetts, you can own a still and use it to produce spirits for private use. The state allows individuals to make any amount of alcohol per year. Despite the freedom, Massachusetts prohibits the distillation and distribution of Moonshine for sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states allow Moonshine making in the US?

A few states where Moonshine is legal include Alaska, Arizona, Massachusetts, Missouri, and North Dakota. These states allow Moonshine production for personal use only. If you intend to make Moonshine in any of these states, you must get a permit from the relevant state authority.

Which federal permits allow businesses or individuals to own a still?

Two federal permits allow one to own and operate distillation equipment: a Federal Distilled and Fuel Alcohol Permit. The former is for businesses that want to establish a distillery business. If your aim is making ethanol to fuel small motors, then you require a Fuel Alcohol Permit.

Visit DistilleryNearby to discover and explore distilleries that make Moonshine in your state and across the US.