And I thought it was now legal to make a small quantity of "corn squeezins" for private consumption.
j
not in this country, unfortunately. Its really ridiculous... its completely legal in the US to ferment grains and make alcohol, whether wine or beer, for personal use. But its still completely illegal to take that alcohol you created and concentrate it by distilling. The only exception is of course if you go through the process of becoming a licensed distiller, and pay taxes, etc, which is obscenely expensive; only a good solution if you're making a commerical amount of liquor. It IS possible however to get an alcohol fuel permit, which allows you to operate a still to make ethanol for sue as a motor fuel, but you have to submit some paperwork to the feds, and basically swear (and show in your application how you plan to) that the operation and design of the still will be safe, same for the storage, and also affirm that you will properly denature all the ethanol produced to prevent human consumption, and explain what denaturing agents you plan to use. The upside is you dont have to worry about hiding your still, or any of that mess, and if a cop decides to ask some questions (due to a nosy neighbor maybe) you can show him your permit. Downside is, the feds now know about your still, and where it is, and if they catch you selling your product, youre royally screwed. Not that I know:wink: , but I imagine that if your product is used only by yourself and a few close friends, and not sold or used for a profit in anyway, and youre not an idiot about it, an AFP is a good way to keep your still semi-legal and still be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Plus, think of all the money you'll save on Methanol for the alky injection kit
If only our country was more enlightened like some others out there, which allow home distilling in small amounts for personal use without too much hassle (NZ, and Aust., I think, plus some more)
That site, homedistiller.org is a GREAT resource, if anyone is intereted in this hobby. Its where i got my start.