Free the 'Shine! Why it's finally time to legalize liquor

If drinking makes us healthier and wealthier, why is America's liquor policy so screwy?

Jimmy Carter legalized home brewing in 1978, and that newfound freedom fueled the craft beer movement that continues to lavish beer lovers with endless choices. But in many ways, laws that govern whiskey, gin, and other distilled spirits are stuck in the 1920s.

Federal agents still raid distilleries much like they did during Prohibition, and making any amount of moonshine at home is not only illegal, it's a felony that can carry up to five years in prison. The result is a market dominated by a few big names, where would-be craftsmen are forced to hide their work.

And yet, despite the danger, America is in the midst of "moonshine renaissance," in which a new wave of hipster hobbyists has joined with old-time 'shiners to flout the law and do what they love to do.

"Free the 'Shine" is written and produced by Paul Detrick and Zach Weissmueller. Senior Producer: Ted Balaker; Additional Camera: Meredith Bragg, Josh Swain, and Alex Manning.

Approximately six minutes.

Visit Reason.tv for downloadable versions of the video and subscribe to Reason.tv's YouTube channel to receive automatic notification when new material goes live.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• moonshine
• home distilling
• home distillation
• hobbyist distillers
• Reason.tv
• reason.com
• reason.org
• Nick Gillespie
• Ted Balaker
• Zach Weissmueller
• Paul Detrick
• liquor regulation
• homedistiller.org
• beer
• home brewer
• liquor laws
• Prohibition
• neo-Prohibition
• Max Watman
• Matthew Rowley

[tutorturtle]

Whiskey Rebellion! YEAH!

[eagleeye1975]

ALL YOU ECONOMIC ILLITERATES OUT THERE: THIS IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CAPITALISM AND CORPORATISM!

Capitalism = FREE MARKETS

Corporatism = Jim Beam and Jack Daniels not wanting to compete fairly, and lobbying to keep this stuff illegal.

GET IT?

[ar47yrr4p]

@eagleeye1975 and that goes for markets of every kind

[eleseur]

@a4nak8r Hey retard, its the dumb-asses abusing drugs (including alcohol) causing the harm. Get a fucking clue, and a brain for that matter.

[a4nak8r]

Alcohol doesnt cause any problems in the community!? Since when? Alcohol is the worst drug...EVER! Two thumbs down for alcohol!!!

[Belindashort]

I have had some fantastic moonshine

[TheKrassman]

Can't wait for micro-whiskeys!

[SesyuuJasminaj467]

lÔl_í_fÈEl_sÖ_lônÉlY_tôDáý

[yakyakyak69]

Look only to the "war on drugs" to see that the black market is far more dangerous than ANY prohibited substance.

[rclark23]

reason dot TV Rocks,, everyone was just acting so gellen, humm, but it is definitely up for discussion, wonder how much they make a year?

[myjoogtv]

Here's our video at the first legal distillery in Loudoun County Virginia. MyJoogTV.com Episode 6: Andrew McKnight at Catoctin Creek Distilling Company:

[fegolem]

4:31 Tomato 'Shine sounds so great! I want some and to share it with my brothers.