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Brought over from old forum

Anonymous
(Unregistered)
06/16/03 09:45 AM
Opening a Small Distillery



Suppose for one wacky second that you were making rum that was so good you thought you could sell it (legally...in the States). What all would be involved in starting a distillery in terms of costs for licenses and legal hopps to jump through. I'm not talking from a business analysis standpoint or anything like that, I just wonder what permits, licenses and fees you'd need to obtain and pay for and all.




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Anonymous
(Unregistered)
06/16/03 11:16 AM
Re: Opening a Small Distillery [re: Anonymous]



Well, the proper answer to that question would take A LOT of typing and is not really practical. Let's just say this, it ain't easy. However, if you really want to know all the details, you need to write (or call) the ATF bureau @

8002 Federal Office Building
550 Main Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-3263

Or call them at 513-684-3335 or 800-398-2282

Tell them what you are trying to do and they will send you a packet of forms and requirements you need to complete/meet before you are considered for a distillers license.

Good Luck and let us know how you made out.

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unclejesse
(newbie)
07/09/03 04:48 PM
Re: Opening a Small Distillery [re: Anonymous]



contact the BATF in washington, D.C. for licensing info. it's $500/year for a distillers license, either learner or full. same price for either. your individual state will be a bigger hoop to jump through. contact the local ATF or ABC or whatever they call themselves in your state for information.

some states are more friendly toward the idea than others



It was the whiskey talkin', not me.


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Anonymous
(Unregistered)
07/14/03 09:56 AM
Re: Opening a Small Distillery [re: unclejesse]



Thanks for the input. I guess my concern is that in the process of trying to get legit, I could bring the revenooers down on me. It would definitely be worth $500 to me annually to be able to practice my hobby without fear of reprisal. In fact, I'd pay much more even. I started to call the numbers and write the letters, but then got scared that I'd be getting a knock on my door. I asked a friend (who doesn't distill) to inquire for me, and he initially said yes, but later got a little scared too. It's kind of a Catch-22.


Many Thanks.

what about int he uk?

London Gin is in london, I now want northampton ' shine'

bottom line here is that in the usa depending on your state you can get set up as a distillery, maybe even with the equipment you already have... but almost certianly not in your current location.
you need to have a completely seperate secure commercial space and the investment of time and energy and money to get legal is going to make it impractical to do if it's going to stay a hobby.


in the UK the laws are specifically designed to make it impossible for small operators to get into the business. There is a size requirement for stills and it's absolutely gigantic in the tens of thousands of gallons.

word.

Anonymous wrote:bottom line here is that in the usa depending on your state you can get set up as a distillery, maybe even with the equipment you already have... but almost certianly not in your current location.
you need to have a completely seperate secure commercial space and the investment of time and energy and money to get legal is going to make it impractical to do if it's going to stay a hobby.


in the UK the laws are specifically designed to make it impossible for small operators to get into the business. There is a size requirement for stills and it's absolutely gigantic in the tens of thousands of gallons.