Brewing for 21st birthday?

[storunner13]

My friend of mine from college who helped me with some of my brews wants to brew a beer for his 21st. I offered to brew one for him, but he wants to brew it himself. Since we live on opposite sides of the country, I can't let him borrow my equipment. The only problem is that his parents probably won't be ok with it. He needs a good argument to bring to his parents.

My questions are:

Is it legal for him to "propagate yeast" the side product of which is a fermented malt beverage?
What are the laws against underage brewing? Is it linked to underage drinking (since if you brew, it's assumed you're going to drink)? Could he brew as many gallons of beer (up to 100) before he's 21, as long as he doesn't drink it until he's legal?

If all else fails, I'll have to free up a carboy, make a run to the homebrew shop and whip up a hoppy red.....

 

[AlbuquerqueJoe]

Im pretty sure it is illegal in all states to be in posession of alcoholic beverages while under the age of 21, even if they are homebrewed and not being consumed.

 

[GregR]

in before the lock!

 

[humann_brewing]

I believe it is illegal to consume alcohol before 21 I don't think brewing it is close enough.


in before closure

 

[mattd2]

Since we live on opposite sides of the country, I can't let him borrow my equipment. The only problem is that his parents probably won't be ok with it. He needs a good argument to bring to his parents.

Does his dad (or mum) like beer? Tell them he'll give them some
Ask them first as really the difference of a few month till he is 21 won't really be the real issue, more likely they don't want him blowing up or creating a mess in their house.
Failing all that, tell him to move out. Then he can do what ever he wants!

 

[nevertrustahipie]

Does he live with his parents (or anyone 21+). If so, there is no problem, assuming he lives in a state that homebrewing is legal. I believe that the laws state the requirement that a resident, not necessarily the brewer be 21. And even if his state says otherwise, whose to say who actually brewed the beer.

 

[JJL]

This is definitely going to vary by state. You'd have to check the laws in his state. However, all of the ingredients used in beer production are typically considered food products, even the yeast. In fact, he can probably even make and boil wort, since it's just sugar water. As someone else said, if he lives with his parents, there is nothing illegal about beer being in the house.

 

[david_42]

Depends on the state. Some places consumption of alcoholic beverages by people under 21 is legal IF it is in their home and the parents are around. This generally applies only to their own children.

 

[storunner13]

Hmm, interesting Comments. I'll forward these on. I'm trying to convince him to do it on the sly while his parents are away...but we'll see what works. I figure even a sourdough starter is fermented, and that isn't illegal, so why would brewing (as long as it's not consumed)...!

 

[PVH]

I figure even a sourdough starter is fermented, and that isn't illegal, so why would brewing (as long as it's not consumed)...!

You're assuming that the law conforms to common sense. Throw that out the window...

 

[storunner13]

Fair enough. The law rarely seems to work out the way we rationalize it in our heads.