Yes it is legal
Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2011 1:26 pm
There are a few hurdles and you might get a bit turned around trying to educate your state representatives and bureaucrats (the ones who don't read the laws they purport to administer), but it is legal with one caveat: If your state has specific laws prohibiting liquor and spirit production like Mississippi's laws against home brewing beer - unless your state has a prohibition against distilling, it is legal.
Think money. That's what it is all about. TAX.
You have to comply with the taxing laws. Once you do that, you are no longer a Moonshiner.
For example NJ has a law that requires you to get a permit to brew beer, yearly cost is $20.00
The best place for a layperson to start their search for state specific laws is your AG's office. Call them and start asking questions. Tell them what you want to do - be direct. This will not bring the local cops or Fed down on you.
In most states you will have to find a liquor bottler or manufacturer who has the ability to affix a tax stamp (or your state's equivalent) to your bottles and make sure that you pay the required tax per volume of liquor. They'll prolly charge you a nominal fee. More telephone work.
And that's it. Once you pay the taxes you are golden.
This does not entitle you to sell it or even give it away though. That's a licensing process.
Giving booze away can lead to questions about quid pro quo which is a form of payment not involving cash. So be careful.
Think money. That's what it is all about. TAX.
You have to comply with the taxing laws. Once you do that, you are no longer a Moonshiner.
For example NJ has a law that requires you to get a permit to brew beer, yearly cost is $20.00
The best place for a layperson to start their search for state specific laws is your AG's office. Call them and start asking questions. Tell them what you want to do - be direct. This will not bring the local cops or Fed down on you.
In most states you will have to find a liquor bottler or manufacturer who has the ability to affix a tax stamp (or your state's equivalent) to your bottles and make sure that you pay the required tax per volume of liquor. They'll prolly charge you a nominal fee. More telephone work.
And that's it. Once you pay the taxes you are golden.
This does not entitle you to sell it or even give it away though. That's a licensing process.
Giving booze away can lead to questions about quid pro quo which is a form of payment not involving cash. So be careful.