Is it legal to make moonshine in Colorado?

Kyle Brown on January 31, 2013

This blog provides information for educational purposes only. Read our complete summary for more info.

Colorado Distilling Laws

Colorado Distilling LawsHere 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 

Crime Classifications Guide

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Portrait of Kyle Brown
Portrait of Kyle Brown

Kyle Brown

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Kyle Brown is the owner of Clawhammer Supply, a small scale distillation and brewing equipment company which he founded in 2009. His passion is teaching people about the many uses of distillation equipment as well as how to make beer at home. When he isn't brewing beer or writing about it, you can find him at his local gym or on the running trail.

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8 Comments

  • D
    Comment Author: Dano

    I really enjoy Good moonshine and have been considering making my own.Your site has been a great source of information to assist me with my dicision. Maybe I’ll be back to purchase.Still thinking about it.
    Thank you

  • M
    Comment Author: Mike

    The big concern is tax collection not safety my question is how is it tax free liquor if you have to pay taxes on the materials used to make the still, the ingredients in the mash, the fuel used to heat up the mash, the fuel in your vehicle to pick up all the materials, property taxes, income taxes. So hoe in the hell is home distilled liquor tax free?

  • RC
    Comment Author: Rob C

    Thanks this is very helpful information!!! My Step-Father and I were wondering about the law here in Colorado was like… His family grows barley for Coors and we were talking one night before you know it we started to talk about moonshine. I did the research one night and came across your site, its been very helpful!!!

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