No, Tennessee law prohibits home distillation of spirits without federal and state licenses, classifying it as a Class A misdemeanor under Tenn. Code Ann. § 57-3-102. Federal law (26 U.S.C. § 5601) also criminalizes unlicensed production, with the TTB enforcing penalties. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize stricter penalties for unpermitted operations.
Key Regulations for Making Moonshine at Home in Tennessee
- Federal Licensing Requirement: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) mandates a distilled spirits plant (DSP) permit for any alcohol production, even for personal use. Home distillation remains illegal under federal regulations.
- State Prohibition: Tennessee’s Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) enforces state laws prohibiting home distillation, aligning with federal statutes. Violations may result in fines up to $2,500 and potential jail time.
- Equipment Restrictions: Possession of stills or distillation equipment is presumptive evidence of intent to produce illegal spirits, per Tenn. Code Ann. § 57-3-103, even if unassembled or unused.
Local law enforcement, including the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) division, actively investigates illegal distillation operations. Recent interagency task forces have targeted rural counties with historical moonshine activity, leveraging enhanced surveillance and informant networks. Penalties escalate for repeat offenses or involvement in larger-scale operations.