Contents
Is it illegal to make moonshine in Pennsylvania?
1/1/2015 last updated
Pennsylvania does allow state residents to own a still and can use it for the manufacture of essential oils, vinegar, distilling water, etc. But the production of moonshine is illegal. It should be noted that Pennsylvania does offer compensation to informers for reporting people seen using a still or in possession of moonshine or distilling equipment or materials Pennsylvania residents are allowed to produce their own beer and wine for personal and private use but not for resale.4-492.
Unlawful acts relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees (1) Manufacturing Without License. Except as provided herein, for any person, to manufacture malt or brewed beverages, unless such person holds a valid manufacturer’s license for such purpose issued by the board. Malt or brewed beverages may be produced by any person without a license if such malt or brewed beverages are produced not for sale and total production does not exceed two hundred gallons per calendar year.
How to Make Moonshine
Malt or brewed beverages produced in accordance with this paragraph may be used at organized affairs, exhibitions, competitions, contests, tastings or judging provided it is not sold or offered for sale. I was unable to find any information on fuel alcohol for this state.
- Pennsylvania does offer a license to manufacture, store and transport distilled spirits Pennsylvania license for a distillery,
- There are several licenses you need to request to legally manufacture spirits.
- Below are the federal licenses only.
- Additional state requirements will need to be followed as well.
You must submit a request for a license to manufacture spirits: TTB 5110.41 Basic permit, This license only allows you to produce spirits. You also need a license for the distilling equipment / distillery: TTB 5100.24 Distilled spirit plant For manufacturing ethanol fuel you will need to submit a request for a TTB 5110.74 for a federal license,1 1.4.
(a) The efficient administration of the Liquor Code requires the suppression of the unlawful manufacture of liquor, and to that end the Board may, in its discretion, pay for information leading to the location and seizure of illicit stills and the arrest and conviction of persons engaged in the operation of the stills. (b) Compensation to informers shall be based in each case upon the gallon capacity of the illicit still seized by reason of the information furnished. The amount of the compensation will be fixed by agreement between the Board and the informer, but will be paid only after the seizure of the still by the Board.
Current federal laws allow citizens the right to own a still and operate it for non-alcohol production. This means legally you can:
How much does a distilling license cost in Pennsylvania?
, License and Permit Fees
| Type | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| (11) Distillery license: | ||
| (I) | Application filing fee | 700 |
| (II) | Renewal filing fee | 30 |
| (III) | License fee (prorated quarterly on volume) | 5,400 |
Can you make bourbon in Pennsylvania?
We have all heard the story that Bourbon can only come from Kentucky. Although the majority of bourbon is produced in Kentucky, it can actually be made anywhere in the United States. Pennsylvania has a long distilling history that extends well beyond rye whiskey. Pennsylvania bourbon has the unique quality of being made in the birthplace of American whiskey.
Can you make whiskey in PA?
If you produce alcohol that is potable (i.e., drinkable), and is not wine or a malt or brewed beverage, then you would need to obtain a distillery or limited distillery license from the PLCB in order to manufacture the alcohol. production of 100,000 gallons of distilled spirits per year.
Can I make my own liquor in PA?
If you produce alcohol that is potable (i.e., drinkable), and is not wine or a malt or brewed beverage, then you would need to obtain a distillery or limited distillery license from the PLCB in order to manufacture the alcohol. production of 100,000 gallons of distilled spirits per year.47 P.S. § 5-505.4(b)(1).
How do I get a distillers license in PA?
If you’re thinking about starting a distillery in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to know about the limited distillery license. This license allows you to manufacture and sell up to 100,000 gallons of liquor per year. The word “liquor” is defined as: “any alcoholic, spirituous, vinous, fermented or other alcoholic beverage, powdered alcohol, or combination of liquors and mixed liquor a part of which is spirituous, vinous, fermented or otherwise alcoholic, including all drinks or drinkable liquids, preparations or mixtures, and reused, recovered or redistilled denatured alcohol usable or taxable for beverage purposes which contain more than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume.” Mixing liquor with other liquors, fruit juice, or any other mixture for resale to the public will require a limited distillery license.
Liquor Sales The holder of the license can manufacture and sell bottled liquors produced on the licensed premises to the State, entities licensed by the State, and the public. In addition, limited distilleries can sell, for on-premises consumption only, wine, beer, and other spirits produced by other Pennsylvania alcohol manufacturers.
Key Benefits One of the key benefits of a limited distillery license is that it allows you to sell your spirits directly to consumers on your premises. This means you can offer tastings, tours, and retail sales, creating a unique and personalized experience for your customers.
Also, a limited distillery may sell its bottled products at up to five additional satellite locations other than the manufacturing premises with no bottling or production requirement at those locations. How to Apply To obtain a limited distillery license, you must first apply to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).
The application process requires you to provide detailed information about your business, including your proposed location, ownership structure, and product offerings. You’ll also need to pay a fee and provide documentation such as a lease agreement and federal licensing information.
Once your application is approved, you’ll need to comply with certain premises requirements. These include having a secure storage area for your liquor and ensuring that your distilling equipment meets safety and regulatory standards. You’ll also need to keep accurate records of your production and sales.
If you’re interested in applying for a limited distillery license in Pennsylvania, it’s important to work with an experienced liquor license attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the application process, help you understand your legal rights and obligations, and ensure that your business is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.