John Ream v. U.S. Dept of the Treasury, et al

  1. April 22, 2026

    Split 6th Circ. Lets Brewer Challenge Tax Code's Distilling Ban

    An Ohio brewery owner has standing to challenge the constitutionality of the federal tax code's ban on distilling whiskey at home, but the ban is necessary for the government to collect taxes on distilled spirits, a split Sixth Circuit panel ruled.

  2. December 10, 2025

    6th Circ. Chides US For Lacking Merits In Distilling Ban Case

    A Sixth Circuit judge criticized the U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday for refusing to address the merits of a suit challenging the constitutionality of the U.S. tax code's ban on home distilling, saying the government cannot decide what the appellate court reviews.

  3. September 16, 2025

    Brewer Denounces Gov't Home Distilling Ban In 6th Circ.

    A brewery owner challenging the U.S. tax code's ban on home distilleries criticized the government's claim that he isn't hurt enough by the prohibition to warrant a suit, telling the Sixth Circuit that the ban prevents him from making whiskey at home and renders him ineligible for a distilling permit.

  4. August 26, 2025

    Brewer Can't Challenge Home Distilling Ban, US Tells 6th Circ.

    A brewery owner who wants to make his own whiskey can't bring a suit challenging the tax code's prohibition on home distilleries because he hasn't shown that he's likely to start making spirits or that the government would come knocking if he does, the U.S. Treasury Department told the Sixth Circuit.