Federal Law
Before examining state law, it is important to understand that federal law applies nationwide.
Federal law generally prohibits the distillation of beverage alcohol without the appropriate federal permits. Even if a state were to permit hobby distilling, federal law would still apply unless Congress changes the law or the courts determine otherwise.
The Hobby Distillers Association’s federal legal challenge addresses these federal restrictions. While that litigation continues, individuals should understand that both federal and state law must be considered.
Learn more about federal law → Click Here
Home Distilling Laws by State
Each state has its own laws governing the manufacture, possession, and regulation of distilled spirits. While many states mirror federal law, others contain unique statutes that may affect hobby distilling.
Below you’ll find the HDA’s current interpretation of each state’s laws, links to the official statutes, and plain-English explanations of what those laws mean. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Important: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. State laws can change, and local enforcement may vary. Always review the official state law and consult qualified legal counsel before relying on any interpretation.
This page is in development. State laws are being updated. Please check back.
Quick State Law Summary
Use the table below for a quick overview, then click “View Details” for statute links, full text, and HDA’s plain-English interpretation.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington, DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
STATE
HDA INTERPRETATION
RELEVANT LAW
DETAILS
Alabama
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Alabama law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Alaska
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Alaska law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Arkansas
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Arkansas law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Arizona
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Arizona law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
California
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing California law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Colorado
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Colorado law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Connecticut
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Connecticut law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Delaware
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Delaware law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Florida
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Florida law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Georgia
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Georgia law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Hawaii
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Hawaii law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Idaho
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Idaho law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Illinois
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Illinois law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Indiana
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Indiana law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Iowa law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Kansas
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Kansas law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Kentucky
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Kentucky law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Louisiana
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Louisiana law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Maine
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Maine law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Maryland
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Maryland law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Massachusetts
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Massachusetts law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Michigan
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Michigan law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Minnesota
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Minnesota law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Mississippi
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Mississippi law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Missouri
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Missouri law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Montana
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Montana law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Nebraska
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Nebraska law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Nevada
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Nevada law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
New Hampshire
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing New Hampshire law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
New Jersey
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing New Jersey law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
New Mexico
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing New Mexico law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
New York
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing New York law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
North Carolina
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing North Carolina law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
North Dakota
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing North Dakota law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Ohio law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Oklahoma
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Oklahoma law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Oregon
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Oregon law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Pennsylvania
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Pennsylvania law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Rhode Island
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Rhode Island law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
South Carolina
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing South Carolina law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
South Dakota
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing South Dakota law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Tennessee
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Tennessee law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Texas
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Texas law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Utah law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Vermont
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Vermont law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Virginia
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Virginia law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Washington
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Washington law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Washington, DC
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Washington, DC law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
West Virginia
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing West Virginia law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Wisconsin
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Wisconsin law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.
Wyoming
HDA Interpretation
Research Pending
Summary: HDA is currently reviewing Wyoming law.
Last Reviewed: Not yet reviewed
Plain-English Analysis
Our interpretation will be supplied once the law has been researched
Relevant Statutory Text
Click to view statute text
Potential Legislative Path
We will add our suggestion for what is required to change the law in this state after reviewing the current state code.