Do what I do when making homebrew. Invite friends over for food and drinks and have a tip jar on the bar. Either that or bring over side dishes for dinner.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 863 86.3%
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
Only tried to make brandy one time and it didn't come out so good (tried to distill wine bought over the shelf - too many sulfides and my equipment was not good enough to separate it out), but I do occassionally brew some beer. In the US you are allowed to brew 100 gallons per person of legal drinking age living in the home. In Japan, they don't care if you brew at home...just don't sell it (the problem the guy in the article experienced - although moonshine is illegal all the time).
Actually, this year, I want to brew some homemade sake. I just need one more ingredient.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 863 86.3%
You can control the alcohol content of homebrew by controlling the amount of malt added and the choice of yeast used to make the brew. You don't need to go all "malt liquor" levels all the time. Plus, it is actually pretty fun to do and is nice to offer people when they come to visit.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 863 86.3%