Re^3: When it comes to wine, I prefer…

As far as I'm aware, there are no laws against distilling your own spirits. It's the same as brewing your own beer, or making your own wine. The laws only come into effect if you start selling it for a profit. Even then, I doubt the local bobbies will roll if you put half a dozen bottles of your Dandylion & Burdock up for sale at your local Bring&Buy.

As for the taste, it depends what you start with, but commercial Brandy is distilled wine, so that gives an idea of the possibilities.

Vermouth is a "fortified wine"--like Port, Sherry Maderia and Masala--which is just wine with the addition of a small percentage of spirit (often Brandy) to preserve it.

Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.

"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".

In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

"Too many [] have been sedated by an oppressive environment of political correctness and risk aversion."

Comment on Re^3: When it comes to wine, I prefer…

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re^4: When it comes to wine, I prefer… by Not_a_Number (Prior) on Apr 18, 2009 at 19:09 UTC
Hmm. From the Wikipedia article Moonshine: In the United Kingdom it is illegal for any person to manufacture spirits by any means, unless they hold an excise licence for that purpose. If found guilty one could face a penalty of Ł1,000 and have their spirit making equipment confiscated. However home brewing of any quantity and strength of beer or wine is legal for ones own domestic use or for consumption by farm labourers employed by said person in the course of their employment.	[reply]
Re^5: When it comes to wine, I prefer… by BrowserUk (Patriarch) on Apr 18, 2009 at 23:15 UTC
And yet Not that I've ever tried it--I just prefer a glass of good brandy to a bottle of wine--but I have an ex-brother-in-law, (a family dentist), who made his own wine from just about any kind of vegetable matter. From hedgerow fruits and weeds, to discarded pea and bean shells. And any that didn't turn out to be palatable he would distil and use to fortify some of his better creations. And I'm pretty sure that the equipement he used was purchased at the local high street home-brew shop. Perhaps this is one of those "throw back " laws that is only enforced if it gets to a point where it starts to seriously impact government revenues? Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error. "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority". In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice. "Too many [] have been sedated by an oppressive environment of political correctness and risk aversion."	[reply]
Re^6: When it comes to wine, I prefer… by why_bird (Pilgrim) on Apr 20, 2009 at 15:27 UTC
I'm fairly sure Not_a_Number is correct---when my half sister moved to France she celebrated at being able to distill stuff---a portable still comes round her village once a year, and they pay to use it (and then pay tax on the product too I think). They apparently only still allow it in France because it helps to keep ancient orchards going---what better reason to grow fruit?? I guess they're allowed to sell distilling kits 'cos it is legal with a licence, I suppose they can't be prosecuted for that even though you can. Similar to how selling bongs in Camden market (and everywhere else) doesn't make it legal to smoke pot :) and I'd guess you're also right that the police aren't going to bother much until you start having a large scale operation. Having tried my family's homemade wine though, I can attest that it is possible to get pretty highly concentrated stuff (~20% I think) without distilling. Their stuff is evil enough without letting them loose on a still!! (feels slightly sick at the memory) ........ Those are my principles. If you don't like them I have others. -- Groucho Marx .......	[reply]