Can you make moonshine legally 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.

How many gallons of moonshine is legal in Tennessee?

five gallons
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 happens if you get caught with moonshine?

Making of moonshine is felony. Get caught making moonshine and you’ll face a felony charge of producing liquor without a license, a crime punishable by a fine of $2,500 to $5,000 and/or up to three years in prison. Get caught selling it and you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.

Can a person make moonshine for personal use?

Making moonshine also poses obvious risks of fire or explosion. Laws against moonshine may place those who wish to make their own line of commercial brandy or other spirit in a tricky situation. But federal law trumps state law, and to the feds, distilling at home for personal consumption is illegal, period.

Is it legal to make and sell moonshine?

The production of moonshine — or really any spirit — without a license is prohibited by the U.S. government and is very much illegal. Clear whiskey in the style of moonshine might be for sale, but technically speaking, moonshine is moonshine because it’s produced illicitly.

How do you start a legal moonshine distillery?

Start a distillery by following these 10 steps:

1. STEP 1: Plan your business.
2. STEP 2: Form a legal entity.
3. STEP 3: Register for taxes.
4. STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card.
5. STEP 5: Set up business accounting.
6. STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses.
7. STEP 7: Get business insurance.
8. STEP 8: Define your brand.

How much trouble can you get in for 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. Many states will grant licenses to “craft distillers” who wish to make moonshine for their own private consumption.

How many years can you get for making moonshine?

Federal Punishments for Distilling § 5602 provides that you may face up to five years in federal prison and up to $10,000 in fines for distilling.

Is it legal to make your own whiskey?

Making alcoholic spirits at home is illegal without a licence and can even be deadly. Buying equipment to make your own beer at home can be as easy as going to the supermarket.

How much does it cost to make moonshine?

The task force estimated the equipment and materials to make the moonshine around $2,000. The copper still is worth between $700 and $1,200. It costs around $8 per gallon for the sugar and wheat to make the moonshine. The selling price is around $25 a gallon if sold in bulk, or $40 for retail price.

Why is moonshine illegal but not beer?

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.

What are the laws on moonshine in Tennessee?

The key to most Tennessee moonshine laws is understanding that the laws consider how much is being made, and, has it been properly taxed? Tennessee Code sections 39-17-703 and 57-3-401 cover receiving, possessing and transporting alcohol.

How does legal separation work in the state of Tennessee?

Legal Separation in Tennessee. Tennessee permits unhappily married couples to legally separate instead of divorce. In a legal separation, the spouses divide the assets and liabilities, provide for the custody of children, and set up financial support payments, but remain married in the eyes of the law.

What was the boom in moonshine in Tennessee?

The boom in “Tennessee whiskey” (a legally specific term), moonshine and other types of whiskey particular to Tennessee has even seen some distilleries challenge the dominance of Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel. With the rise of microdistilleries has come a need to understand Tennessee laws as to the distillation and transportation of alcohol.

Is it legal to divorce your spouse in Tennessee?

The process for legal separation in Tennessee is virtually the same as divorce, except in the end, you’re still legally married. It’s important to note that you and your spouse must both want a legal separation for the court to grant your request.