No, home production of moonshine remains illegal in Washington under state and federal alcohol laws, despite limited homebrewing exceptions for beer and wine. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) enforces strict prohibitions, and federal regulations under the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) criminalize unlicensed distillation. Recent 2026 legislative proposals to expand homebrewing rights have stalled, leaving the ban intact.
Key Regulations for Making Moonshine at Home in Washington
- Federal Prohibition: The ATF classifies unlicensed distillation as a felony under 26 U.S.C. § 5601, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment. Washington courts defer to federal enforcement, as seen in recent 2024 cases involving rural stills.
- State Enforcement: The WSLCB actively investigates illegal distillation operations, collaborating with local law enforcement to seize equipment and prosecute offenders. A 2023 joint task force dismantled 12 unlicensed stills in Whatcom County alone.
- Permitted Exceptions: Only beer and wine may be produced at home for personal use, with strict limits of 200 gallons annually for households with two or more adults. Distilled spirits, including moonshine, are explicitly excluded under RCW 66.24.010.