I keep hearing the term “hobby distilling” online

[crowdo]

Hey folks, I keep hearing the term “hobby distilling” online, but I’m not sure what it really covers. Is it just making moonshine at home, or is there a broader meaning behind it?

[kreoto]

Hi there! Good question. Hobby distilling generally refers to small-scale, non-commercial distilling done for personal enjoyment — similar to homebrewing beer or making your own wine. It’s not just about “moonshine”; it can include creating unique craft spirits, experimenting with recipes, and learning about the science of distillation. The tricky part is that, unlike homebrewing, it’s still not fully legal in the US. That’s why the Hobby Distillers Association works to change the laws, educate the public, and provide hobbyists with information on what’s happening state by state. If you’re interested in the culture and legality of it, their site is a great starting point.