+1 "While it's is acceptable to distill spirits (with a proper ATF permit) for use as as fuel or some other odd uses, distilling for consumption is illegal as 'ell in the USA."
Actually, they call themselves the TBB nowadays, but the post is correct. A word of caution guys. Contrary to what many believe, In the US it is against federal law to distill alcohol for consumption, regardless of how much you make, even if it's for your own use or if you sell it or not. Period. It is possible to get a fuel permit, but the red tape is horrible plus it is not feasible for an individual to do so on a small scale and the TBB knows this. Even if you manage to get a fuel permit, the local TBB agent will become your new best friend. The State laws are a real mishmash, it is illegal in all States to make whiskey without a local, State and Federal license, but some States allow you to own a still (as long as you don't use it) other States (including mine) make it illegal to merely having a still whether you use it or not. There are an estimated +250,000 home distillers in the US, up to this point, the TBB, knowing that the vast majority will not sell and only produce for their own use, have assigned a low priority to Home Distillers and have chosen to focus on more important things, like terrorist who want to blow the world up. THIS CAN CHANGE OVERNIGHT. The most concerning thing to the Home Distilling community the TBB has done recently is to require the companies in the US that sell distilling equipment to release their customer records to them. Last year the TBB sent over 100K letters to these customers saying in effect "We know you have a still, better not use it" Most think this was done in response to the bull shit TV show Moonshiners, almost all in the home distilling community believe this show is a total chock and think the events and methods portrayed are inaccurate and dangerous. Most refuse to watch the show, but the TBB saw a real up-swing in the interest in illegal distilling since the show aired. The letter's being sent out is bad enough, but the state of Florida actually partnered with the TBB and paid visits to these customers; as far as I know Florida is the only state to do so. I have it on good authority that 98% of serious home distillers that take great pains to safely make a good product, often better that they can buy and would never sell what they make. But I have said all that to say this: If you have an interest in home distilling, do not do it. If you feel you must, be very very careful! Do not buy a still from a commercial company selling these stills (unless you want the TBB to know who and where you are) If you must do, join the Home Distilling Forum and real all of the safety information; have an realistic expectation of the rewards, but also have an realist expectation of the possible risks. The mantra is "Do Not Sell and Do Not Tell