Should I, as a new hobby distiller, be concerned about getting arrested?
My current knowledge intuits that law enforcement and TTB are concerned more for illegal sale of illegal spirits and do not have the resources to pursue the hobby distiller who makes < 15 gallons per year and does not sell.
I plan to distill about 10-15 gallons per year and age 2 batches per year in 5 gallon new oak barrels. Will only be sharing with close family and friends and instructing them to keep low profile. I do my mashes on the driveway but I also brew beer and the neighbors know me for that. My distilling is done electric in my garage with closed garage door. I store my column and condenser and any glass with low wines or whiskey inside house in closet. Barrels will be in garage but unlabeled. I will not, under any circumstance, be selling a single drop.
What is my exposure with this hobby? I have small kids, wife, career that I cannot jeopardize but also love whiskey and getting into the art of distilling. What is a realistic level of concern for re: legality and potential arrest?
Level of Concern
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