In California, it is illegal to distill alcoholic beverages for any purpose, including for home consumption, without a permit. It is a violation of federal law to purchase distilling equipment and distill alcohol in any state without proper licensing.
Type 41 Liquor License Explained
What is type 41 liquor license? Type 41 is a Beer & Wine ONLY On-sale License for a Bona Fide eating place. This license is most common.
Regulations and Consequences
In addition, it is a violation of state law in California to make or possess stills without first obtaining a Distilled Spirits Permit from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Breaking these laws can result in fines, imprisonment, forfeiture of equipment and spirits.
While individuals may produce wine or beer at home for personal use, federal law prohibits producing distilled spirits at home. Distilling alcohol for fuel may be legal.
Home distilling is the process of producing alcoholic beverages, such as whiskey, gin, brandy, and vodka, for personal consumption. While personal use of distilled spirits is legal in some states, the production process is not. For example, Alaska, Arizona, Maine, and Rhode Island allow “legal” moonshining, even though it’s considered illegal federally.
According to federal law, the only legal way you could distill spirits at home is if you are recognized by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) as a qualified distilled spirits plant. The Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act governs the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States.
Never distill indoors without proper ventilation due to the risk of explosive alcohol vapor. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand and never leave a still unattended. It is also important to discard the “foreshots” to avoid methanol contamination.
By following key safety guidelines and obtaining the proper permits, home distilling can be an enjoyable hobby. However, it is critical to understand and adhere to both federal and state laws regarding home production of distilled spirits.