No, manufacturing moonshine at home in Indiana violates federal and state alcohol laws, with no legal allowance for unlicensed distillation. The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) enforces strict prohibitions under Indiana Code 7.1-3-1-19, aligning with federal 26 U.S.C. § 5601. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize enhanced penalties for unpermitted alcohol production, including felony charges for repeat offenses. Local law enforcement, including the Indiana State Police, actively investigates illegal distillation operations, often collaborating with the ATF.
Key Regulations for Making Moonshine at Home in Indiana
- Federal Prohibition: The ATF prohibits home distillation under the Internal Revenue Code, classifying it as a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000. Indiana courts defer to federal enforcement, with no state-level exemptions for personal use.
- State Licensing Requirements: Indiana’s ATC mandates a Distilled Spirits Manufacturer’s License (IC 7.1-3-1-15) for any alcohol production, even for personal consumption. Unlicensed stills are subject to seizure under IC 7.1-5-1-10, with civil penalties exceeding $1,000 per violation.
- Local Enforcement: County prosecutors, such as those in Marion and Lake Counties, prioritize moonshine cases under Indiana’s Unlawful Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance statutes (IC 35-48-4-14.1), leveraging joint task forces with the DEA for interdiction.