rum anyone?

[bobthebiker]

I suppose since I dont see it here, I should ask, is making rum much different or harder than brewing beer or wines?

 

[Nurmey]

Yes, it is different but mostly it illegal to make.

 

[bobthebiker]

ahh. I was doing a bit of reading on what all its made from. seems to me buying a bunch of stuff that could be used for production of illicit drugs could find one with the feds on your doorstep quite fast.

I think I'll stick to beer making and just enjoy the product of my labors.

 

[blindtiger]

I wish it was legal. it would be a fun next step to brewing

 

[Tenchiro]

The only legal way to distill privately is for making fuel, even then I bet it would require some licensing.

 

[goodbyebluesky82]

The only legal way to distill privately is for making fuel, even then I bet it would require some licensing.

My LHBS sells distillation stuff. I mean, not just the flavorings that you can asupposedly "add to vodka" to have instant cordials. They do carry those. But I mean, there was a piece of equipment near the register last time I was there that said something about distilling or "spirits" on the box. It was some stainless steel contraption, fully enclosed, cant remember much else.

How is that legal?

I've never understood how it is totally legal to buy stuff, but to use it for its intended purpose is illegal. Doesn't make much sense.

*EDIT: In fact here it actually is http://www.ebrew.com/distillation/still_spirits_air_still.htm There is a disclaimer that its illegal to use to distill alcohol. Haha, yea I bet a lot of people shop at Brewing stores for equipment so they can distill their own water. Thats hilarious. Everyone knows what these are being used for.

 

[Tenchiro]

Same as buying something like grow lights, there are legal uses for them as well as the illicit ones. And to be fair the main reason that distilling is still illegal is that it is a huge tax boon for the government and there are many people out there who really don't see a problem with breaking those kinds of laws.

 

[nosmatt]

kinda like hydroponics stores.... how many little ole ladies are shopping there?

i do love rum. but my favorite ones are oaked for 3+ years. i would never have the patience!
not to mention, even if you got your wort fermented down to say 20abv, in a 10 gallon batch you would only get 2 gallons of pure, assuming 100% distillation efficiency, and no losses to the copper tubing. well, i guess 4 gallons of 100 proof would not be all that bad.

 

[Revvy]

Although several states, including Michigan are toying with the idea of making distilling legal, we don't discuss it here out of the respect that we have for TXbrew for hosting this site, AND since it IS still illegal in the US, AND this is a US hosted website...We LIKE having this forum, and want it to remain.

So we don't even talk AROUND the topic here, capice?

We know that BATF lurks on here on occasion, like they do on any US alcohol producing sites. (Hi guys!)...The gov in general watches most internet sites anyway...

I'm sure the OP and anyone else can find much info via google...I have even seen some videos on Youtube...

 

[BeezBrew]

Although several states, including Michigan are toying with the idea of making distilling legal, we don't discuss it here out of the respect that we have for TXbrew for hosting this site, AND since it IS still illegal in the US, AND this is a US hosted website...We LIKE having this forum, and want it to remain.

So we don't even talk AROUND the topic here, capice?

We know that BATF lurks on here on occasion, like they do on any US alcohol producing sites. (Hi guys!)...The gov in general watches most internet sites anyway...

I'm sure the OP and anyone else can find much info via google...I have even seen some videos on Youtube...

I have a tinfoil hat for you my friend. But seriously, you can't get in trouble talking about distilling. Think about all those websites describing how to grow marijuana...or so i've heard

 

[Nurmey]

I have a tinfoil hat for you my friend. But seriously, you can't get in trouble talking about distilling. Think about all those websites describing how to grow marijuana...or so i've heard

It doesn't matter if you can get in trouble for it, it is against the rules here!

 

[Tenchiro]

I was under the impression that discussing the legality of it was ok, just not the details of how to do it.

 

[Yooper]

Well, it's legal in some countries, but not in the US or Canada so we just mention that it's not legal here and ask that any futher discussion take place somewhere else- like on a distillation forum!

 

[Revvy]

I have a tinfoil hat for you my friend. But seriously, you can't get in trouble talking about distilling. Think about all those websites describing how to grow marijuana...or so i've heard

If you believe the guvment doesn't at least have bots cruising through the nets looking for, and tagging, keywords referring to illegal activities of ANY TYPE, I have a nice bridge you can have real cheap...

Just because no one's been taken down (that you know of) for mentioning something online, doesn't mean that isn't being duly noted...

You happen to hear about the former LSD researcher barred from entering the country becausee he blogged about taking it? NPR covered it as did a few papers, but not many...

Travelers Beware: Homeland Security is Googling You | Cleveland Leader

If you're too lazy to click on it here's the first paragraph.

We've all undoubtedly heard the warnings about being careful about the information we put online, as well as the stories of potential employers and college admissions and coaches checking up on people online through Google and social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook. But here's a new one for you: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is also using this information to check up on individuals entering the country. "They" are watching you, and "they" know what you've been up to.

Andrew Feldman, a Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor who's currently a psychotherapist in Vancouver, was recently detained for four hours, fingerprinted, and then barred entry into the United States after Homeland Security googled him and found an article he wrote in a literary and scientific journal in which he talked about using LSD and various other drugs in the 1960's. And even though he has no criminal record and says he hasn't used drugs since the 1970's, Feldmar must now get formal permission from the U.S. consul before entering the U.S.

So you want you tinfoil hat back???


Or did you hear about this? It came out 2 years ago?

As Raw Story reports, CENTCOM announced earlier this year that a team of employees would be "[engaging] bloggers who are posting inaccurate or untrue information, as well as bloggers who are posting incomplete information."

CENTCOM is infiltrating blogs and message boards to ensure people, "have the opportunity to read positive stories,"presumably about how Iraq is a wonderful liberated democracy and the war on terror really is about protecting Americans.

They identify "conspiracy theorists," as anyone who exposes government corruption and lies about major domestic and world events, as "terrorists recruiters," and vows to eliminate their influence in society.

FBI Director Robert Mueller called on Internet service providers to record their customers' online activities, a move that anticipates a fierce debate over privacy and law enforcement in Washington next year.

Just like I know ministers whose churches have had their tax free status threatened for even talking against the war from the platform....so don't all me paranoid.


Whether you believe it or not, I don't give a flying ****...the point is We don't discuss it outta respect for TXBrew hosting this site for us...He'd be the first one called to the carpet for what we talk about here...and we don't want that to happen, DO WE?

 

[bobthebiker]

in such a case, how bout we forget I even asked, and just keep on brewin our beers and what have you. we'll just stick to the legal stuff and be in the clear, how's that sound? no law enforcement agency on any of our doors=happy.

but then again, I'm sure all of us have broken SOME law somewhere along the line in life, how much we paid for our violations I dont know, but we've all made mistakes somewhere that we probably shouldnt have.

 

[Pete08]

My LHBS sells distillation stuff. I mean, not just the flavorings that you can asupposedly "add to vodka" to have instant cordials. They do carry those. But I mean, there was a piece of equipment near the register last time I was there that said something about distilling or "spirits" on the box. It was some stainless steel contraption, fully enclosed, cant remember much else.

How is that legal?

I've never understood how it is totally legal to buy stuff, but to use it for its intended purpose is illegal. Doesn't make much sense.

*EDIT: In fact here it actually is Still Spirit There is a disclaimer that its illegal to use to distill alcohol. Haha, yea I bet a lot of people shop at Brewing stores for equipment so they can distill their own water. Thats hilarious. Everyone knows what these are being used for.

Ever hear of stores that sell "tobacco" smoking pipes and accessories? (HEAD SHOPS). Never been in one, but can't imagine someone's grandpa in one either.

 

[Tenchiro]

Ever hear of stores that sell "tobacco" smoking pipes and accessories? (HEAD SHOPS). Never been in one, but can't imagine someone's grandpa in one either.

Man you are from Oregon, of course you know people whose grandparents smoke. (even if you don't know it)

I grew up in Eugene and when I was a kid I was friends with a girl whose grandma with a gigantic stockpile of glaucoma medicine.

 

[Yooper]

but then again, I'm sure all of us have broken SOME law somewhere along the line in life, how much we paid for our violations I dont know, but we've all made mistakes somewhere that we probably shouldnt have.

Of course we all have- even some "little" illegal activites, like speeding. However, just because we've done something (or know someone who knows someone who is doing something!) illegal doesn't mean we should discuss it on a 30,000 member internet forum group!

 

[bobthebiker]

Of course we all have- even some "little" illegal activites, like speeding. However, just because we've done something (or know someone who knows someone who is doing something!) illegal doesn't mean we should discuss it on a 30,000 member internet forum group!

very good point. although discussing the finer points of something, but not necessarily the methods of manufacture, or actual production of something illegal isnt really against the law. well, not the last time I checked anyways.

 

[Yooper]

very good point. although discussing the finer points of something, but not necessarily the methods of manufacture, or actual production of something illegal isnt really against the law. well, not the last time I checked anyways.

And I'm sure that's why forums like distilling forums are around- they discuss the fine points, I would assume, without encouraging lawlessness.

Since we're about craft beer, wine, cider and mead, though, we don't go into distilling. There are places for that, just like this is the place for beer!

 

[NZGirl]

And I'm sure that's why forums like distilling forums are around- they discuss the fine points, I would assume, without encouraging lawlessness.

Since we're about craft beer, wine, cider and mead, though, we don't go into distilling. There are places for that, just like this is the place for beer!

Quick question before the door is slammed shut on this thread... just to clarify, is it illegal to make home brew spirits of any sort in the US?

 

[Nurmey]

Quick question before the door is slammed shut on this thread... just to clarify, is it illegal to make home brew spirits of any sort in the US?

Wine, beer, cider, mead are all okay to make. It is illegal to make distilled spirits.

 

[Yooper]

Wine, beer, cider, mead are all okay to make. It is illegal to make distilled spirits.

well.........any type of homebrewing is still illegal in a few states- Utah, Alabama, and a couple more. It's allowable by federal law, but state laws vary. Most states allow it, up to 100 gallons per person per year, with up to 200 gallons per household per year (if there is more than one 21 year old adult in that household).

 

[Revvy]

well.........any type of homebrewing is still illegal in a few states- Utah, Alabama, and a couple more. It's allowable by federal law, but state laws vary. Most states allow it, up to 100 gallons per person per year, with up to 200 gallons per household per year (if there is more than one 21 year old adult in that household).

And IIRC even certain types of beer and winemaking are technically illegal...the making of icewines and eisenbocks...which is a form of distillation of the beer and wine by freezing it, and removing the water. I think they fall into the distillation category.

 

[EvilTOJ]

Quick question before the door is slammed shut on this thread... just to clarify, is it illegal to make home brew spirits of any sort in the US?

But lucky for you, being in New Zealand and all, you get to distill all willy nilly. We don't get to talk about it though

 

[Pete08]

Man you are from Oregon, of course you know people whose grandparents smoke. (even if you don't know it)

I grew up in Eugene and when I was a kid I was friends with a girl whose grandma with a gigantic stockpile of glaucoma medicine.

You have a most valid point, my friend. My grandparent comment stems from the fact that I grew up in North Dakota, something I failed to state! Working in a school here in OR, I wish it was only "glaucoma medicine" some of these grandparents are on. Many I have referred to as "Ol' Licky" due their constant flickering tongue as you try to talk to them:cross:

 

[NZGirl]

But lucky for you, being in New Zealand and all, you get to distill all willy nilly. We don't get to talk about it though

I know! So cool for us in NZ. I don't like spirits much but my friend is going to brew her own... and I found a local club and they have monthly competitions for beer, wine and spirits... can't wait!

 

[Homercidal]

Well, why would you want to distill spirits for when you can make beer? I don't care for hard liquor, but the process of making it is intriguing to me. However, I enjoy the fact that there are so many good beers I can make and then enjoy drinking.

 

[CBBaron]

And IIRC even certain types of beer and winemaking are technically illegal...the making of icewines and eisenbocks...which is a form of distillation of the beer and wine by freezing it, and removing the water. I think they fall into the distillation category.

It is illegal to distill alcohol in the US without a license. It is not illegal to make your own liqueurs using legally purchased vodka or other alcohol. It is not illegal to ferment your own quasi-spirit using sugar and a high alcohol tolerant yeast (these do not taste very good).

Freeze distillation like traditional eisenbocks is technically illegal however it is unlikely to be a problem for the homebrewer (Unless of course you get caught ). For the commercial brewer without a distillation license making an true eisenbock would be a problem.

Icewine is not freeze distilled. Instead the grapes are harvested after being frozen. This dehydrates the grapes, resulting in grape juice with a much higher concentration of sugar, that is then fermented. Nothing illegal about this process for either the home winemaker nor the professional.

Craig