Originally Posted by: sssjrcowboys 
if this is the case how can you apply for an AFP and place the Sn of the unit on the paper work when it is illegal to own one if you don't have the permit yet.
Owning a still is
not illegal. If that were the case, then there wouldn't be websites up all over the place that sells distilling equipment as well as actual stills. If you don't have a still when you apply for the federal permit, they recomend that you use the following serial number on your application:
001. Then after your permit goes through and you buy a distilling tower, they recomend that you create an amendment and put the serial number on the amended license application. That's what I had to do and it took them 2 months to re-approve it. The TTB is extremely easy to deal with and are very understanding. They also know that trying to prevent home distilling is a losing battle. That's why it's easier to get an AFP today than it was years ago.
Originally Posted by: Alli sssjrcowboys,
When I applied for my AFP last summer I didn't put a serial number on the application because there was not one on it when I got it from MileHi. A very nice lady from the TTB in Cincinnati called me on my cell phone to say that she needed a serial number. When I explained that there was none on it, her response was to make one up and put it on the still, which I did. My experience has been that the administrative people at the TTB are super nice folks just doing their jobs. Your question is which came first, the chicken or the egg. I know the rules seem to conflict, which they do, but you can't very well apply for the permit without a still. If you want to talk more, email me at tomcowdrey
yahoo.com.
Look at the bottom of your tower next to the flange. You might need a magnifying glass to see it, but it's there. It's engraved right next to the flange. It'll say SS304 and what size tower you have right above the actual serial number. But yeah the TTB was extremely helpful especially when it came to the online application. They talked me through the application basicallly. Brewhaus' serial numbers are much easier to find. They weld on a plate towards the top of the tower.
Originally Posted by: RCRed My Experience with the TTB was similar to Alli's. They were very nice, they asked a number of questions, wanted a better version of the drivers license image emailed to them, and then took the time to explain the reason for the lengthy delay (7 months for a reply).
About a month or so later, I got my permit. Now, I will tell you I did not do anything until I got that permit. And, it's not a permit to go hog wild either, so please don't get that impression. JB had illuminated the statute last year when the notice came out that the TTB was requesting the lists of ownership and I took heed.
I remembered what I did differently on the online app. I
manually typed in
"N/A under the bond information. But yeah, they were extremely nice and they did ask me
not to do anything just yet until the license is approved which I had no problem doing considering how much work is involved. They also asked me not to do anything until my amendment was approved which took 2 months.
Originally Posted by: Admin The first two are in Mississippi, not Missouri (MO is where it appears that distilling is legal state-wise). The latter are sell operations, and few here would be supportive of that. We are trying to get hobby distilling legalized, not illegal sell operations.
Yep. If I wanted to sell what I make, I'd go about it the right way and the VABC would be my only customer.
Originally Posted by: RCRed It has been said that outlaws care not a whit, and I agree with that. But at the same time I will also proffer for consideration that lots of folks are out of work in America.. They have no way to make coin and thus they make and sell alcohol - I am not condoning this. I am just trying to point out that we may be seeing more busts all over because folks are resorting to any way they can to make money and, getting caught.
Usually the ones that get caught are the ones that don't really care or pay attention to the details as to what they're doing. Alli and I both have already been talking to our ABC agents about getting the state license. They've all but told both of us that they are not going to waste the tax payer's money going after someone that makes roughly around 10 gallons or less per month and doesn't sell what they make because for every person they catch, there's at least 10 more to take their place.
