Stills and the Law Behind Traditional Distillation
By Alchemist G.G. Wilkins
Pittsfield, New Hampshire
Throughout history, copper stills have been used for a wide variety of purposes, including the production of distilled water, essential oils, perfumes, botanical extracts, fuel alcohol, and spirits. While many people associate stills exclusively with moonshine, the truth is that distillation has played an important role in medicine, industry, agriculture, and everyday life for centuries.
One of the most common questions asked by newcomers to the art of distillation is whether it is legal to own a still. The answer is generally yes. Under federal law, individuals may own stills of various sizes for lawful purposes such as water purification, essential oil production, botanical extraction, educational demonstrations, and decorative display. However, the laws governing the production of distilled spirits are much different and should be carefully understood before operating any distillation equipment.
As a student of distillation history and traditional copper craftsmanship in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, I believe it is important that every still owner understands the legal responsibilities that accompany ownership.
Federal law allows adults to produce beer and wine for personal use under certain circumstances. Distilled spirits, however, are regulated differently. Producing distilled spirits without the appropriate permits can result in significant penalties under federal law. Anyone interested in commercial distillation should carefully research all applicable federal, state, and local regulations before beginning operations.
A common misconception is that only small stills are legal to own. In reality, federal law does not generally prohibit ownership based solely upon the size of the still. Small stills, large stills, copper stills, stainless steel stills, and specialty distillation equipment may all have lawful uses depending upon how they are employed. Distilled water production, essential oil extraction, botanical processing, and other non-alcohol-related applications have long been recognized as legitimate uses of distillation equipment.
The art of distillation itself is ancient. Historical records indicate that forms of distillation have been practiced for nearly two thousand years. Distillation has been used to create medicines, perfumes, purified water, industrial chemicals, fuel products, and countless other valuable materials. Many of the world's most important industries continue to rely on distillation today.
Here in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, incorporated in 1782, innovation and craftsmanship have long been valued traditions. Alchemist G.G. Wilkins continues that tradition by promoting responsible education about copper stills, traditional distillation methods, and the many lawful uses of distillation equipment.
Before purchasing or operating any still, prospective owners should familiarize themselves with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Regulations can vary significantly depending upon location and intended use. Distillation equipment used for water purification, essential oils, botanical extracts, educational purposes, and other lawful applications may be subject to different requirements than equipment used in commercial alcohol production.
The copper still remains one of the most fascinating and versatile tools ever developed. Whether used for distilled water, essential oils, herbal extracts, perfumes, or historical study, understanding both the science and the legal framework surrounding distillation is an important part of responsible ownership.
The more knowledge we preserve, the better prepared future generations will be to appreciate the craftsmanship, innovation, and history behind the ancient art of distillation.
— Alchemist G.G. Wilkins
Inventor, Craftsman, and Student of Distillation History
Pittsfield, New Hampshire