No, Vermont strictly prohibits the unlicensed production, possession, or sale of distilled spirits, including moonshine, under state law. Federal regulations enforced by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) further criminalize home distillation without permits, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment. Vermont’s Department of Liquor and Lottery (DLL) and local law enforcement actively monitor illegal operations, particularly in rural areas where clandestine stills persist.
Key Regulations for Making Moonshine at Home in Vermont
- Licensing Requirement: Federal law (26 U.S.C. § 5601) mandates a distilled spirits plant permit from the TTB for any production, even for personal use. Vermont’s DLL does not issue state-level exemptions for home distillation.
- Prohibition on Sales: Selling untaxed moonshine violates both state (Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 7, § 101) and federal statutes, with mandatory asset forfeiture and felony charges for repeat offenders.
- Equipment Restrictions: Possession of unregistered stills (26 U.S.C. § 5601(a)(1)) is a federal crime, regardless of intent. Vermont’s 2024-2026 enforcement initiatives target rural counties with high rates of illegal distillation.
Local ordinances may impose additional civil penalties, including property liens for nuisance violations. The TTB’s 2025 compliance crackdown aligns with Vermont’s broader efforts to curb unregulated alcohol production, particularly in response to recent fatalities linked to contaminated moonshine. Consultation with a licensed liquor attorney is advised prior to any distillation-related activities.