Making and drinking alcohol is one of mankind’s oldest traditions. From the early cities of Mesopotamia to some dingy college house in Portland, we’ve been brewing liquor, beer, and wine for as long as civilization’s been around.
Nowadays, you only have to walk a few feet in any direction to find a store selling alcohol, but what if you want to make it your way?
Is It Illegal to Distill Your Own Alcohol?
For many, home brewing is just a fun hobby, and a way to make enjoyable homemade gifts for friends and family. To those who enjoy partaking in this trend, good news! What you’re doing is fully legal in the state of Arizona, as long as you follow a few key rules.
The alcohol you brew at home must be for personal use only, and must only be gifted to those aged 21 and up. As long as you follow these guidelines, you will not need a liquor license.
What Do You Need a License For?
There are, however, a few instances where you’ll need a bit more government approval. This is mostly necessary if you plan on selling the alcohol you’ve brewed. You’ll need an In-State Producer License, which allows you to sell your product at the site your license is registered at, such as a brewery or distillery.
The same can be said about distribution, which requires a special tax, extensive application process, and providing a separate dwelling for production. All that to say, you’re likely best off brewing for yourself and family.
But hey, you never know when it’ll become a hit…