Federal Basics (U.S.)

• Personal use: Brewing beer at home for yourself/family (not for sale) is allowed at the federal level.
• Annual limits: Up to 100 gallons per year for a one-adult household, or 200 gallons if two or more adults live there.
• Age: You must be an “adult” under your local law (in most places, treat this as 21+).
• No sales: Homebrew can’t be sold. Selling beer requires licensing/permits.

State & Local Rules

States (and sometimes cities/counties) set extra conditions. Common examples:

• Transport & events: Some states explicitly allow taking homebrew to club meetings, competitions, or tastings; others restrict where it can be served.
• Where you can serve: Many states limit service to private settings; always confirm rules for festivals or public venues.
• Dry counties/local options: Even if state law allows homebrewing, certain local jurisdictions may impose additional limits.

Don’t Confuse Brewing with Distilling

Brewing/fermenting beer for personal use is permitted at the federal level. Distilling spirits at home is a different activity that generally requires federal permitting and can carry serious penalties without it. If you’re curious about spirits, research permits and current case law before attempting anything.

Practical Compliance Checklist

• Keep batches for personal use only; don’t sell or “trade for value.”
• Stay within 100/200-gallon annual household limits.
• When in doubt, assume 21+ to brew/transport/serve.
• Check state rules for transporting to events and any venue restrictions.
• Respect landlord/HOA rules and fire safety requirements.

Bottom Line

In the U.S., home brewing beer for personal use is federally allowed within quantity limits, and states set the fine print on transport and service. Check local rules before sharing your bottles outside home, and keep your batches clearly non-commercial.