While individuals of legal drinking age may produce wine or beer at home for personal or family use, Federal law strictly prohibits individuals from producing distilled spirits at home (see 26 United States Code (U.S.C.)

If you've never brewed beer before you can try something easier to make like a rum or sugarhead. Rum can be as simple as putting some molasses, water, and yeast in a bucket and waiting for fermentation. Sugarheads are just as easy. Both of these are perfect for beginners.

It is illegal to own a still for the purpose of distilling moonshine in the state of Tennessee. The law is specific about the use for manufacturing ethanol, but not about owning a still, or using a still for distilling water, essential oils, etc.

State Overview state laws Ohio does allow ownership of a still and does allow usage of the still for essential oils, distilling water, etc. as long as it contains less than 0.5% ABV.