Whether you spell it BBQ, Barbeque or Barbecue, it’s the taste of America. You like your Bourbon aged and smooth and your BBQ slow-cooked and savory, Wilderness Trail Distillery can fill the bill for both when it has its second Bourbon release and hosts the eighth annual Kentucky State BBQ Festival Sept. 6-8, 2019.

This special event coincides with the return of the KY State BBQ Festival to our 44-acre campus. This weekend is all about enjoying the food created by celebrity pitmasters, shopping with a variety of vendors, and enjoying music by several bands.

Celebrity Pitmasters – Award-winning pitmasters from around the country will be cooking their best BBQ all weekend.

Backyard BBQ Competition –This year’s event will be more competitive than ever. Bring your “A-game” and be ready to throw down in downtown!

Live Bands – Top bands from throughout the U.S. will be playing your favorite music.

Executive Bourbon Steward (EBS) – Spend a day at our hands-on learning center and have the time of your life as you attain a real working knowledge of bourbon and bourbon production. This day-long workshop offers classroom training, hands-on distilling, and advanced sensory training, along with lunch and a sip or 4 of bourbon throughout the day. Come on your own or give a gift to the bourbon enthusiast in your life.

Course Objectives

To provide a standardized bourbon education, along with the tools and techniques to further participants’ study and understanding of bourbon; to strengthen participants’ skills in guiding their staff in various aspects of Bourbon Stewardship and customer relations; to provide training and materials which will allow participants to develop and expand in-house bourbon programs, and build bourbon lists to grow sales.

Course Description

• Bourbon 101 covers the basic history of whiskey in the United States, leading to the evolution of bourbon. From there the course will detail the technical aspects of whiskey classifications, the science of distilling and aging, and types and brands of bourbon.
• Distilling & Aging 101 is a hands-on walk-through of the bourbon-making process where each class will actually distill bourbon. This section not only goes over the process for the managers but how to explain the different steps to consumers and how each step affects the overall product.
• Advanced Bourbon Sensory Training breaks down and examines the array of aroma and flavor components of bourbon and how specific decisions during the production process determine those attributes.
• Flight Building dives into how to conduct a sensory evaluation of bourbon and how to walk staff and consumer alike through the process. Assessing the customer efficiently “on the run” and making recommendations according to cues are also covered here.
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail Proficiency covers the distilleries and brands on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (KBT) experience. Students will build familiarity with the products and locations of attractions in order to advise guests and answer questions.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn the standards of identity for whiskey and for bourbon and be able to identify the differences between the two distillates.
• Explain the basic science of the distillation process.
• Define and explain the different bourbon classifications and Bottled in Bond, and be able to identify bourbons belonging to each class.
• Identify Kentucky’s heritage brands and which distilleries produce them.
• Identify basic differences in proof, age and mash bill in a blind sensory evaluation.
• Build a flight of 3 bourbons, demonstrate the relationship among the products, and describe their characteristics and nuances.
• Understand the distillation and aging aspects of bourbon.
• Be able to use hands-on knowledge of bourbon production to train and answer advanced questions from consumers.
• Be able to perform advanced sensory of bourbon and be able to walk their staff and consumers through how to conduct bourbon tastings.
• Be able to facilitate Certified Bourbon Stewards’ training.

What to Expect

We’ll start the day with some breakfast and refreshments, and provide lunch around noon. The rest of the day will consist of informative learning led by our awesome staff, a tour of the distillery as we brew up a batch of distiller’s beer from scratch, and activities as we explore grains and barrel chars. At the end of the day, we’ll take a test and everyone who passes will earn the title Executive Bourbon Steward in the Stave & Thief Society until the end of time. They’ll also take home:

• Their very own spirit sensory training kit
• The training guide
• A very special challenge coin

Structure at a Glance

• Day-long workshop
• Classroom instruction and demonstrations
• Hands-on production in distillery
• Advanced sensory training

Tuition: $500.00 USD for Individual Members • $1,000.00 USD for Establishment Members

Tuition Includes

• All class-related materials
• Breakfast, lunch and refreshments
• Lifetime membership in Stave & Thief Society
• Exclusive sensory aroma kit

Contact

Christin Head | 502.301.8139 | Registrar@MoonshineUniversity.com

View all Moonshine University Courses here.

When people think of Kentucky, things like horses, bluegrass, and – of course – bourbon come to mind. Soon the new Kentucky’s Edge Bourbon Conference & Festival, planned for the fall 2019 will be added to that list.

Born from a desire to shine a light on the Northern Kentucky region and heritage, the Kentucky’s Edge Bourbon Conference & Festival will take place October 4 and 5, 2019 at venues throughout Covington and Newport, Kentucky just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. This inaugural event is designed to share on a local, national, and international scale what makes Northern Kentucky such a special place.

Organizers say Kentucky’s Edge Bourbon Conference & Festival will be like the SXSW for bourbon, with Covington and Newport as the campus. The weekend will include a free music festival on the river, a Kentucky artisan market in MainStrasse Village, and a bourbon conference at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. There will be bourbon pairings, tastings, and musical performances at restaurants and bars spread out across the two cities.

The main star of the Kentucky’s Edge Bourbon Conference & Festival is, of course, the bourbon. But the event is also meant to celebrate Kentucky’s heritage and culture as a whole.

Local participating distilleries include:

• Boone County Distilling
• Neeley Family Distillery
• New Riff Distilling
• Old Pogue Distillery
• Second Sight Spirits

Hotel and ticket packages for the Kentucky’s Edge Bourbon Conference & Festival will go on sale Friday, March 1 at noon. Individual event tickets will be available late March/early April.

For the latest information visit the Kentucky’s Edge Bourbon Conference & Festival website here.

Hard Truth Distilling Co. of Nashville, Indiana is excited to present the 2nd Annual Midwest Distillers Fest — an immersive craft spirits tasting experience anticipated to be the largest and most unique event of its kind in the entire Midwest.

This event will again take place on the beautiful grounds of Hard Truth Hills in Brown County, Indiana — a world-class destination featuring 325 acres of wooded hills, hiking trails and more.  Hard Truth Hills is also home to the award-winning Hard Truth Distilling Co., a brand new Big Woods restaurant, the Hard Truth Hills Welcome Center, and multiple bars and cocktail lounges.

This outdoor festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5th, from 1-5 pm. The event will be held on the property, in the woods, underneath massive tents.  (VIP entry begins at 1pm, with General Admission entry beginning at 2pm).

The event will feature 25-30 craft distilleries from across Indiana and the Midwest offering more than 100 different spirits available to sip and sample straight or to enjoy as part of a craft cocktail.

New This Year: All VIP and GA attendees will be responsibly allowed UNLIMITED samples of all spirits and all cocktails during the event.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and get to know the craftsmen and women from each distillery and even purchase to-go bottles from their favorite Indiana distilleries.

Midwest Distillers Fest 2019 Tickets on Sale Now

Tickets are now on sale with an opportunity to save by buying online, in advance.

• Early Bird Tickets: Available until Aug. 15th. VIP* – $55 | General Admission – $40 | Designated Driver** – $10
• Advance Sale Tickets: Available from Aug. 16th – Oct. 4th) VIP – $60 | General Admission – $45 | Designated Driver – $10
• Gate Sales: Available Day of Event if Tickets Are Still Available. VIP – $65 | General Admission – $50 | Designated Driver – $10

* VIP ticket holders, specifically, will be allowed an additional hour to enjoy the event (with entry beginning at 1pm), shorter lines, limited edition spirits, plus TWO complimentary Hard Truth cocktails during the event. VIP tickets also include a “Seek the Truth” tour and tasting voucher (a $12 value) good for any future date.
** Designated drivers will be allowed into the event at any time.

The Midwest Distillers Festival will also feature live music, food for purchase from local food partners, games, and more. A complimentary refreshment station featuring non-alcoholic drinks will be available to all attendees during the event.

Attendees are encouraged to stay after the festival for the After-Party from 5pm – 6pm and/or to dine at the on-site restaurant, enjoy more outdoor music until 9 p.m., and even tour the property and the trails on their own.

Guests, including designated drivers, must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event, no exceptions. All attendees must show a valid photo I.D. at the gate upon entry. All ticket sales are final. This is a rain or shine event.

Last year’s event SOLD OUT in advance. Purchase your tickets today!

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers 
Call 812-720-4840 | Email: Info@MidwestDistillersFest.com

Participating Distilleries from Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Iowa

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers 
Call 812-720-4840 | Email: Info@MidwestDistillersFest.com

2019 Midwest Distillers Fest Participating Distilleries

You can sort the list of participating distilleries by clicking Distillery Name, City or State to find your favorite distillery.

Are you a distillery that would like to participate? Email: Info@MidwestDistillersFest.com 

The Moonshine University 6 Day Distiller Course provides a complete overview of the craft of distilling and the beverage alcohol industry through comprehensive technical training and business management education. Over 40 industry experts are brought together to provide an intensive, practical, hands-on learning experience that combines technical training and business management education for start-ups, industry professionals, and those looking for careers in the distilling industry.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL – Register early and your stay at the Brown Hotel is included with tuition. Check the Moonshine University website for details.

This course is designed and taught by distillery operators, industry insiders, and world-renowned master distillers, it exposes attendees to the realities of the day-to-day operations from laying the first brick to getting finished product on the shelves. The technical aspects of distillate production are only the beginning. Challenges and opportunities from equipment selection to distribution channels to financial considerations are also explored.

Who should attend Moonshine University?

• Entrepreneurs interested in opening their own distillery or launching their own brand.
• Industry professionals who are looking to gain a better overall understanding of the craft, science and trade of beverage alcohol.
• Those looking for careers in the distilling industry.
• Distillery owners/operators who want to specialize or improve in a certain area of their business.

6 Day Distiller Course

Complete Course Syllabus | Check Here All Dates

• January 20, 2019 | Register Now
• April 14, 2019 | Register Now
• July 21, 2019 | Register Now
• October 20, 2019 | Register Now

SUNDAY – SO YOU WANT TO BUILD A DISTILLERY?

This half-day class, starting at 1pm, offers aspiring distillers the opportunity to learn from an experienced distillery construction team. A comprehensive view will be provided by instructors consisting of the general contractor, critical sub-contractors, key equipment manufacturers, financier, economic development officials and others. Attendees will receive a detailed timeline, as well as an in-depth perspective of financial considerations, regulatory challenges and construction decision points for the on-time, on-budget construction/renovation of their distillery.

Key Steps & Timeline – Overview of critical decision points, when they should be implemented and their corresponding completion requirements.

Financial Considerations – Comprehensive cost analysis of a recently completed, fully-operational, craft distillery will provide a benchmark for budget development from construction, production and operational considerations.

Construction / Renovation – Moderated panel discussion featuring key stake-holders in the distillery construction process. Important considerations include:

• Site Selection Understand the critical considerations when selecting a site in regard to physical location and the corresponding budgetary ramifications.
• Subcontractors Identify and evaluate dependable subcontractors who possess the necessary skill sets to ensure quality craftsmanship.
• Vendors Ensure equipment compatibility and seamless integration through the understanding of key communications required from each provider.
• Permitting Understand key considerations with regards to municipal requirements on zoning, building, electrical, plumbing, water/sewer and hazardous materials.
• Build-out Itemize design and construction considerations for build-out phase of project including: layout and space requirements, utility service requirements, maintenance and material considerations and change order management.

Incentives & Government Support – Identify opportunities to attract state and local government incentives for your distillery, including an explanation of requirements and support materials likely necessary for consideration.

MONDAY – THE FUNDAMENTALS

Distilling 101
Introduction to:

• Mashing
• Cooking
• Fermenting
• Types of stills
• Distilling
• Second distillation
• Heads, hearts & tails
• Basic terms
• Distilling tools

Breakout Session: Distilling

• Mash bill calculation
• Hands on mashing

Distilling 102
More intensive study of the science and process of:

• Mashing
• Cooking
• Fermenting (including a look at how yeasts affect fermentation and flavor)
• Types of stills
• Distilling
• 2nd distillation
• Heads, hearts & tails

Applications include a closer look at distilling, experimenting with yeast, and observing process through a glass still.

Breakout Session: Laboratory

• A tour of Flavorman, the beverage development company, and bottling line.
• Sensory evaluation of heads, hearts and tails.

Nuts & Bolts Networking Reception
Enjoy open discussion over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails with colleagues, presenters, vendors and industry VIPs.

TUESDAY- RUM PRODUCTION

TTB Licensing and Compliance

• Overview of Laws and Regulations
• Basic permit application
• DSP Registration
• Premises, equipment & operations
• Records and reports overview

Rum

• Sources of rum
• Rum mash bill
• Fermentation
• Distillation
• Aging and blending

Rum Mash Bill Calculation

SOP/COLA
Formulation and label approvals process.

WEDNESDAY- WHISKEY PRODUCTION

Production Process

• Receiving grains
• Grain handling
• Milling, cooking and fermentation
• Record keeping

Distillery

• Fermentation process
• Equipment
• Proof rating
• Troubleshooting

Lunch with a Legend
Sit back and relax while we show you some genuine Kentucky hospitality. Enjoy lunch while a legendary industry veteran answers questions and shares stories & advice from years of experience in the distilling industry. Entertaining as well as insightful, our legends never disappoint. Past speakers include Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller at Wild Turkey, Bill Samuels, Jr., and Greg Davis from Maker’s Mark.

Oak 101

History of wooden barrels
Characteristics of oak
Aging, charring, toasting and barrel size
Oak products
Sensory analysis

Aging & Mingling

• Warehousing
• Rotations
• Effects of aging
• The art of mingling
• Blending for consistency

Proofing & Finishing

• Proofing & gauging
• Filtering
• Finishing

On & Off Premise Marketing

• Type of packaging
• Labels & closures
• Case quantity
• POS

Networking Reception and Dinner
Cocktails and dinner will provide another excellent opportunity for attendees, presenters and honored guests to enjoy informal conversation and build valuable relationships.

THURSDAY – VODKA & GIN PRODUCTION

Artisan Distiller Panel
Presentations and Q&A with artisan distillers and distillery owners

Vodka

• Vodka production
• GNS
• Production VS. buying bulk

Gin

• Gin production methods
• Popular gin ingredients
• Botanical sensory

Vodka & Gin Sensory Evaluation

• Compounded gin VS. distilled gin
• Flavored Vodka

Distribution

• Distributor jargon
• Three tier system
• Choosing a distributor
• Marketing your product
• Distributor pricing

Vendome Tour
A field trip to tour the largest distilling equipment manufacturer in the United States.

FRIDAY- BRANDING SALES & MARKETING

Branding, Sales & Marketing

Case Study: Route to Market
Step by step: taking a new brand to market

Packaging & Closures

• Packaging and closure options
• Minimums
• Custom orders
• Pricing

Closing Remarks & Diplomas

TUITION: $6,250.00

TUITION INCLUDES:

• All class-related materials
• Breakfast, lunch and refreshments daily
• Networking dinner/reception Monday & Wednesday evenings
• Exclusive private tours of 1-2 local distillery-related facilities
• Transportation between the Brown Hotel and Moonshine University®

Complete Course Syllabus | Check Here for All Dates

Still Have Questions? Ready to Get Started?

Contact Christin Head at 502.301.8139 or email Registrar@MoonshineUniversity.com

View all Moonshine University Courses here.

INSTRUCTORS: Randy Allender, Luis Ayala, Dick Barba, Matt Baugher, Steve Beam, Kristin Carlton, David Carpenter, Larry Coomes, Greg Davis, Jason Griffin, Lang Guenther, Dr. Pat Heist, Wes Henderson, Joe Heron, William Hornaday, Paul Johnson, Pete Kamer, Jeff LaHue, Stacy Lauter, Robert Lehrman, Stephen Lukinovich, Dan Matauch, Elizabeth McCall, Jim McCoy, Paul McLaughlin, James Moore, Chris Morris, Cash Moter, Andrew Mueller, Sid Mundkur, Joyce Nethery, Tom Niekamp, Rob Pinson, Scott Reid, Susan Reigler, Rusty Riley, Don Rodgers, Jimmy Russell, Bill Samuels, Jr., Matt Scanlan, Scott Schiller, Leo Sharkey, Mike Sherman, Rob Sherman, Jerry Siegler, Clay Smith, Peggy Noe Stevens, Mary Stone, Matt Strickland, Kris Tatum, Carson Taylor, Justin Thomas, David Timmons, Paul Tomaszewski, Molly Wellmann, Lisa Wicker, Andrew Wiehebrink, Mary Beth Williams, Roger Woods, Chris Zaborowski, Sara Zborovski, as well as Moonshine University and Flavorman instructors.