This blog provides information for educational purposes only. Read our complete summary for more info.
Is it legal to make moonshine in Colorado?
Colorado Distilling Laws
Here is summary of Colorado's laws regarding home distillation of moonshine whiskey, fuel alcohol, essential oils, and water.
Before we get started, a reminder: Distilling alcohol is illegal without a federal fuel alcohol or distilled spirit plant permit as well as relevant state permits. Our distillation equipment is designed for legal uses only and the information in this article is for educational purposes only. Please read our complete legal summary for more information on the legalities of distillation.
Owning a still
The State of Colorado does not prohibit ownership of a still.
Distilling Water and Essential Oils
Yes, it is legal to distill water. It is also legal to distill essential oils without the use of alcohol as a solvent.
Distilling Alcohol for Fuel
It is not legal to distill alcohol for fuel and no fuel alcohol permit exists.
Distilling for Personal Consumption
It is not legal to distill alcohol for personal consumption, see below for fines.
Fines and Penalties for Distilling Alcohol in the State of Colorado
Distilling alcohol for personal consumption in the State of Colorado is neither a felony or a misdemeanor. The act actually falls in a category called "Petty Offenses." Specifically, moonshining in Colorado is a Class 2 Petty Offense and it shares this category with violations such as littering, leaving a campfire unattended, water skiing without a life jacket, and riding a bus without paying a fee. If one is caught making moonshine in Colorado, they are subject to a $250 fine.
Governing Legal Documents
Colorado Revised Statutes - Title 12 - Article 46
Colorado Revised Statutes - Title 12 - Article 47
American Home Distillers Association
HOME DISTILLING LAWS: IS IT LEGAL TO MAKE MOONSHINE IN COLORADO?
THE INFORMATION, DATA AND REFERENCES, SET FORTH ABOVE, ARE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE RELIED UPON BY ANY PERSON, OR ENTITY, AS A LEGAL BASIS FOR ANY ACT OR DECISION WHATSOEVER. NONE OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS INTENDED TO GIVE SPECIFIC LEGAL ADVICE TO ANY PERSON, OR ENTITY, RESIDING IN ANY SPECIFIC STATE.
