A judge in Texas just overturned an old ban that was in place for 156 years. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. If you enjoy making your own beer or alcohol, you’ll love this news.

We have the details from CHRON. According to the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, you are allowed to make your own beer and wine at home if you don’t sell it. But any high-proof alcoholic beverages like whiskey or vodka are not allowed to be made at home. At least that has been the case since 1868.

On July 11, the court ruling in Texas was made

It was U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman who struck down the ban on making homemade alcohol on the grounds that it was an overreach of Congress’s powers. But that doesn’t mean you and all your neighbors can start making your own alcohol.

What does this ruling mean?

Beginning earlier this month, members of the Hobby Distillers Association (HDA) have been able to apply for a federal distilling license. State laws remain in effect and the federal government can appeal the ruling.

This ruling affects more than just alcohol

Aside from being able to distill your own alcohol at home, there are many Texans who welcome this judge’s ruling for another reason. It starts by stripping away a little state regulation. To be clear, current Texas law says no one can own distilling equipment or manufacture spirits without a commercial license.

I must say that the big companies do a good job of mass producing high proof alcohol as well, so you can always stop by your local liquor store if you don’t feel like distilling your own alcohol.