Legal Disclaimer
This page is informational only and is not legal advice. Laws in this area change and vary by jurisdiction — confirm your local rules, and talk to a licensed attorney before acting on anything here.
Owning a still
In the US, owning a still is generally legal — it's what you do with it that's regulated. Some states add their own restrictions or registration requirements on top of federal law, so still ownership alone can be more restricted in some places than others.
Distilling alcohol
Producing distilled spirits without the required federal and state permits is illegal in the US, regardless of quantity, intent, or whether it's for personal use. This is different from home beer and wine making, which do have a personal-use allowance — there is no equivalent exemption for distillation.
Update, April 2026: the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in McNutt v. U.S. Department of Justice that the federal home-distilling ban exceeds Congress's authority under the Taxation and Necessary and Proper Clauses — but this ruling currently applies only within the Fifth Circuit (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi), and the U.S. government has a certiorari petition pending before the Supreme Court as of August 2026. It is not settled law, it does not apply nationwide, and state-level restrictions are unaffected regardless of outcome. We're tracking this case; see our post on the ruling for the full breakdown.
It varies by where you are
Rules differ by country, and within the US, by state. Some places are more permissive, some are stricter, and requirements change over time. Don't assume what's true in one state or country holds in another — check current local and national law before you buy equipment, distill anything, or apply for any permit.
About this site
The Proofing Room provides calculators, a supplier directory, and educational content for hobbyists. Calculator results are planning estimates based on standard formulas, not lab measurements or a substitute for proper testing equipment (e.g. a hydrometer or proof-and-tralle). We don't sell equipment, verify buyer compliance, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party supplier or creator content we link to. Using this site does not create any legal, professional, or advisory relationship between you and The Proofing Room.