Home Distilling Law in 2026: Where Things Stand
Owning a still is legal. Making spirits isn't — usually. A plain-English status check.
GW
Dale Hutchins · Guest Contributor
In the U.S., it's legal to own a still and to distill water or essential oils. Producing alcohol at home, however, requires federal permits — and recent court activity has kept the topic in the news.
Laws vary by state and continue to evolve, so always verify the current rules where you live before producing anything.
The smart move: know the law, get the permits if you go commercial, and never take legal advice from a forum.