Supreme Court to Review 158-Year-Old Ban on Home Distilling

For almost 160 years, distilling liquor at home has been illegal under federal law. This might change soon as the Supreme Court has agreed to examine the validity of Congress’s decision in 1868 to ban home distilling.

This announcement opens the possibility of changing a long-standing law that has prevented Americans from legally distilling their own spirits at home since the late 19th century. The court’s decision to review such a historical regulation raises questions about its necessity and relevance in today’s context.

Jenn Burroughs, who works at Catoctin Creek Distilling Company in Purcellville, Virginia, is among those interested in the court’s upcoming decisions. Many enthusiasts and small businesses keenly watch the proceedings, hoping for a future where home distilling is decriminalized, allowing innovation and craftsmanship in the industry.