No, it is not legal to start a distillery at home according to Federal law. While individuals are permitted to make beer or wine for personal consumption, distillation is strictly prohibited (as outlined in 26 United States Code (U.S.C.) 5042(a)(2) and 5053(e)). There are many reasons why this practice is illegal, in large part due to the fact that distillation can be dangerous and may result in harmful consequences. Below are some of the key points as to why home distillation is illegal:
Distillation can be a dangerous process that requires careful attention to detail and strict adherence to safety regulations.
Home distillation can result in the production of toxic byproducts that can be deadly if ingested.
Distillation processes require significant quantities of energy, which can be expensive and difficult to manage in a home setting.
There is a risk of fire or explosion when working with combustible liquids and gases necessary for the distillation process.
Distillation requires specialized equipment and training, which may exceed the capabilities of the average person to safely and effectively perform.
All of these factors are why it’s not legal to start a distillery at home. For those interested in the industry, the best course of action is to explore a legal path to operating a distillery within the bounds of proper regulation and safety standards.