Please explain the legalities of distilling at home.

According to the letter of the law, a person can own a still. You are not allowed to manufacture alcohol unless you have the needed Federal and local permits to do so. So, if anyone asks, tell them you are using your still as decorative furniture in your office. If they ask why the inside of the still appears to have been used for something – tell them you use it to distill essential oils. They will be hard pressed to prove otherwise. Let’s face reality, shall we? The law is an evolving entity. Not so long ago – “weed” was illegal. Now, it is legal in Canada and becoming legal in many areas of the USA. Home brewing of beer and wine are now both legal. I dare say we will soon see the day where the New Zealand model is followed that allows home distilling in small amounts with the purchase of a Gov’t permit annually. In the meanwhile, if you pursue your home distilling quietly, you should be OK. Let’s again face reality – the authorities have more pressing issues to deal with, such as money laundering, drug running, and so on. We have had serving RCMP officers take our Workshops. These folks are looking to maybe start a craft distillery once retired. Even they have made it clear, the RCMP will not waste time dealing with a casual home distiller. But, they have made it resoundingly clear, if you flagrantly sell your stuff in your neighborhood, or start giving it away to friends and associates, you will invite trouble. And well you should. Keep it on the down-low and don’t tell people what you do. Be smart.