What are the consequences of making moonshine?
If you're avoiding Johnny Law like most moonshiners, 26 U.S.C. § 5602 provides that you may face up to five years in federal prison and up to $10,000 in fines for distilling.
Is moonshine production illegal?
The production of moonshine — or really any spirit — without a license is prohibited by the U.S. government and is very much illegal. Although you might see “moonshine” sitting on your local liquor store shelves, it's not exactly the most accurate moniker for a bottled brand.
Why is moonshine production illegal?
So why is moonshine still illegal? Because the liquor is worth more to the government than beer or wine. Uncle Sam takes an excise tax of $2.14 for each 750-milliliter bottle of 80-proof spirits, compared with 21 cents for a bottle of wine (of 14 percent alcohol or less) and 5 cents for a can of beer.
How many gallons of moonshine can you legally make in Tennessee?
The location where samples are given must be disclosed to the TABC. A licensed distillery can sell its product at retail for consumption off-premise to any person of legal drinking age limited to five gallons (5 gal.) or one sixth (1/6) of a barrel of its product to any one (1) individual per visit to the premises.
What proof is real moonshine?
Moonshine usually has an ABV of 40% but can sometimes be as high as 60%-80% ABV. Alcohol content can be converted to proof by multiplying it by two. So, 40% ABV is 80-proof. The distilling process is the key to a spirit's alcohol content.
Can I make moonshine at home?
While individuals of legal drinking age may produce wine or beer at home for personal or family use, Federal law strictly prohibits individuals from producing distilled spirits at home (see 26 United States Code (U.S.C.)
Why is moonshine illegal but not Everclear?
The Bottom Line. Both Moonshine and Everclear are unaged distilled spirits. However, the former is produced from corn, while the latter is developed from fermented grains. Everclear is potent alcohol with a neutral taste, whereas Moonshine is an illegally produced whiskey.
What does moonshine taste like?
Aside from the rubbing alcohol taste, you should taste the slight sweetness and hints of corn flavor. Some testers report that bottles of moonshine taste like good grappa and have a flavor strictly of their own. Others claim to discern vanilla notes in the good moonshine.
Can I make moonshine for personal use in Tennessee?
State Overview state laws It is illegal to own a still for the purpose of distilling moonshine in the state of Tennessee. The law is specific about the use for manufacturing ethanol, but not about owning a still, or using a still for distilling water, essential oils, etc.
Is Everclear legal in TN?
Everclear 190-proof is legal in many US states, with the exceptions of California, Hawaii, Florida, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington.
When did moonshine become legal?
America's first legal moonshine distillery was launched in 2005. Piedmont Distillers, located in Madison, North Carolina, holds the title of being the first legal moonshine operation in the United States and their state's first legal distillery since Prohibition.
Can you make moonshine for personal use in Alabama?
There are currently no laws that allow for non-commercial production of spirits in Alabama therefore citizens are unable to produce spirits for personal use. It is illegal to be in possession of moonshine.
Is it legal to make moonshine for personal use in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia it is legal to own a still as long as the still is not used to distill spirits or to manufacture moonshine. A still can be owned and operated to distill water, essential oils, vinegar, etc. As long as the end product is not ethanol.
Can you make moonshine for personal use in Virginia?
Yes, it is legal to own a still in Virginia, but not for the purpose of manufacturing alcohol. If you wish to produce alcohol, you require a distilling license. 4.1 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL ACT (Code of Virginia) states that the manufacturing of alcohol unless a license is acquired is illegal.
Is it legal to make moonshine in NC?
The only way you can legally produce moonshine in North Carolina is by obtaining a distillery permit from the state. Jeremy Norris owns one of the few moonshine distilleries in the central part of the state.