Is It Legal to Distill Alcohol at Home in Colorado?

Over the years, I have been fascinated with bourbon and American whiskey. So much so that I have researched the process on how to make it, age it in barrels, and bottle it up.

Making Alcohol at Home: It’s Not as Easy as It Sounds

However, it simply isnt just as easy as one would think. There are a lot of things that can go wrong. Not only making a bad batch, but the safety issues that could arise from distilling spirits.

These issues not only apply to bourbon and whiskey, but also to other spirits. There is also the legality aspect of it. Sure, you can purchase a still, but could you legally use it to make your very own alcohol?

Buying a Still vs. Using It Legally

Purchasing a still is perfectly legal to own. Using a still to distill alcohol at home is not. Under federal and state law, the use of a still to make spirits for consumption or resale without a license is illegal.

READ MORE: Northern Colorado Distillery Expands Into Loveland

Using a still to make your own alcohol at home is a Class 2 Petty offense in the state of Colorado and could bring a fine of up to $250. However, federal offenses for illegal spirit distillation are much more severe and carry a potential of up to five years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and forfeiture of property such as the still itself, vehicles, and even real estate.

A Legal Path to Craft Distilling in Colorado

If you really want to take the journey into distilling your own booze, there is a legal way to do it. You would have to be issued a TTB permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau at the federal level to legally distill alcohol.

READ MORE: 3 Colorado Distilleries Nominated for Best Tasting Rooms

With all of these hoops, I will just let the local Colorado distilleries make my booze for me.