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

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.

Executive Bourbon Steward (EBS) is the advanced level in the Bourbon Certification Program.  This level of certification provides classroom training, hands-on bourbon distilling, and advanced sensory training for owners, managers, program directors, and team leaders.  It is required that a minimum of one manager of a Stave & Thief Society member establishment be EBS certified. Individuals may also be certified. The member establishment’s EBS is encouraged to facilitate the training of his/her staff, using the handbooks provided. This training will prepare staff members to take and pass the Certified Bourbon Steward online exam.

Structure

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

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.

Learning Outcomes

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

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.

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.

Wilderness Trail Distillery in Danville, Kentucky is ready to introduce its latest Small Batch Bourbon made with rye small grain. This latest release will take place during A Taste in Danville hosted at the distillery.

Wilderness Trail Distillery’s contribution to A Taste in Danville will be samples of its Small Batch Bottled in Bond. Shane Baker and Dr. Pat Heist, the distillery’s co-owners, like high-proof whiskey, served neat, so they couldn’t resist making this third expression a Bottled in Bond so people can compare it to the distillery’s wheated expression.

The 20 food vendors at A Taste in Danville represent a wide array of culinary offerings. Danville’s The Still at AMBRAbev offers Brazilian flair and Tut’s features Egyptian dishes. Caribbean Spice is back with Cuban creations while Rico’s Empanadas explores Puerto Rican and Latin American cooking. BBQ fans can veer toward Biscuits BBQ, Triple J&C and Pasture at Marksbury Farm. The Combination prepares TexMex dishes. The Bluebird of Stanford and Danville’s the Caterer and Southern Plate Café guarantee delicious offerings.

For the sweet tooth, try buttercream frosted cupcakes by Sweets by Cindy, Bourbon balls by Sandy’s Surprises, Four Generations Ice Cream or Southern Style Kettlecorn. Elmwood Inn serves up the finest teas, including Bourbon Black Tea. Refreshing lemonade is supplied by Nomelade.

For an eye-opening cup of coffee, visit Rooster’s Whistle or if a Bloody Mary or Bloody Susan is more your style of waking up, stop by Bloody Kentucky for a bottle of their original or spicy mix. You can’t miss their truck. It’s an M1079, an American field office truck that was used in Iraq. For a light snack, there is Fox Run Beer Cheese in a variety of flavors or try Sadistic Mistresses all natural hot sauces. In addition to tastes, Wilderness Trail offers a several cocktails. Country Boy Brewery will be on site with their much-loved brews.

We’re still waiting to hear from some of the vendors we’ve invited so expect even more options when you arrive.

Our music will be a feast for your ears. The Brown Family Band of Berea performs first and then Pikeville’s Down to the River band hits the stage. The Brown Family consists of father Yogi, who plays guitar and piano; daughter, Becky, who sings and plays guitar; and son Andy, a bass player and singer who majored in music. Down To the River, which performs songs written by Tony Mullins, combines instrumentals, rock & roll, soul and freeform jams. Down To the River molds blues, country, instrumental jam rock into what they term Appalachian Rock and Roll.

For more information contact Emily Toadvine Emily@wildernesstrailky.com, phone 859-402-8707 or come by the distillery at 4095 Lebanon Road, Danville.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers 
Email: Emily@WildernessTrailKY.com

Master the skills to take your products to the next level of consistency and quality. This two day course thoroughly examines the use of sensory analysis methods in distillate production, product development, and quality control. Both days will contain a theoretical as well as a practical component whereby participants will take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in a lab setting.

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

May 6 and 7, 2019 | Register Now

Structure

• Classroom Instruction
• Sensory training practicum in laboratory setting

Course Objectives

To train participants in sensory analysis methods to enable them to find faults, troubleshoot, and develop consistent, quality products. To coach participants through demonstrations and practice to develop a sensory quality control program for their own professional environment.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will understand the interaction between nose, tongue, and brain.
• Students will be able to prepare a sensory analysis appropriate for the type of distillate and environment.
• Students will be able to distinguish among the different sensory analysis methodologies and know the pros and cons of each.
• Students will train to detect the development off flavors and taints during production and find causes, symptoms and remedies.
• Students will study technologies used to aid sensory analysis.
• Students will practice detecting faults at different thresholds.
• Students will learn best practices for developing their own sensory quality control program.

Tuition: $2,495 USD

Still Have Questions? Ready to Get Started?

Contact: Christin Head | 502.301.8139
Email: Registrar@MoonshineUniversity.com

View all Moonshine University Courses here.

Oak. Aging. Maturation. Warehousing.

You asked for it, we got it!

Over the last few years the number one request from our students has been a workshop about oak, aging, and warehousing.  And now we have it! We’ve partnered with our friends at Independent Stave Company to put together a class that gives every attendee access to a library of samples and information that you won’t find anywhere else.

May 9 and 10, 2018 | Register Now

Course Overview

In this class you will explore samples that showcase the differences and interplay of aging variables. You’ll also receive the GC testing data for all of them. And you’ll have class time with an expert on warehouse management and flavor mapping.

This workshop class size will be limited to 20 attendees to ensure ample opportunity for hands-on learning.

Structure

Classroom Instruction

• Warehousing
• Logistics
• Flavor development
• Product Consistency

Data Analysis

• Entry proof
• Toast & char profiles
• Bottle soaks
• Wood species
• Gas Chromatography

Course Objectives

To examine and analyze the effects the barrel has on the distillate within it, and be able to use the findings in the student’s own distillery.

Tuition: $2,495 USD

Tuition Includes

• All class-related materials
• Breakfast, lunch and refreshments daily
• Networking reception, evening following first day of class
• Transportation between the Brown Hotel and Moonshine University

Still Have Questions? Ready to Get Started?

Contact: Christin Head | 502.301.8139
Email: Registrar@MoonshineUniversity.com

View all Moonshine University Courses here.

Executive Bourbon Steward (EBS) is the advanced level in the Bourbon Certification Program.  This level of certification provides classroom training, hands-on bourbon distilling, and advanced sensory training for owners, managers, program directors, and team leaders.  It is required that a minimum of one manager of a Stave & Thief Society member establishment be EBS certified. Individuals may also be certified. The member establishment’s EBS is encouraged to facilitate the training of his/her staff, using the handbooks provided. This training will prepare staff members to take and pass the Certified Bourbon Steward online exam.

Structure

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

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.

Learning Outcomes

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

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.

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.