The distilled spirits industry has seen amazing growth for nearly two decades. One of leading forces behind that growth has been the nation’s premier education distillery, Moonshine University. Moonshine University was born out of an idea from the team at Flavorman, a custom beverage development company in Louisville, Kentucky.
Flavorman was founded in 1992 by spirits industry veteran and visionary David Dafoe. Dafoe was recognized for his contributions to the industry in 2021 when he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Distilling Institute – ADI. As a serial entrepreneur Dafoe has spent his career creating flavors and launching brands.
As the spirits industry was seeing explosive growth Dafoe saw there was no single location where someone could receive hands-on, formalized training in distilling, so in 2013 he created Moonshine University. Moonshine University quickly became the source for hands-on training with the 5-Day Distiller course that allowed industry professionals that wanted to sharpen their skills to those that were new to the industry learn the art and business of distilling from mashing, distilling, aging, bottling to sales and business management. Moonshine University also offers classes on barrel aging, blending, distilling operations, distribution, sales and more.
The result was a winning formula that helped to launch hundreds of distilleries and brands throughout the world.
Moonshine University to Close Down by End of 2026
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Sadly, after 14 incredible years of providing service and education to the distilling industry, Flavorman has made the difficult decision to conclude the operations of Moonshine University and associated programs on December 31st, 2026.
In a statement from the company the decision follows a careful analysis of our core operations and how the company can most effectively support the distilled spirits industry through product development and consulting services. It also reflects changes within the industry and their belief that educational resources can have the greatest impact when they are unified under established trade organizations, creating opportunities for broader collaboration and continued industry growth.
In the short term, nothing will change Moonshine University will continue to honor scheduled commitments and course dates for the remainder of 2026. Courses will remain open to new registrants as usual.
Moonshine University Helped to Launch Nearly 300 Distilleries
“We are proud to have assisted countless aspiring distillers during the spirits industry’s monumental growth,” said the statement from Moonshine University. “Since opening Moonshine University’s classroom doors in 2013, we have taught 337 courses, welcomed over 15,000 attendees, and helped launch nearly 300 distilleries of all sizes. We have hosted students from all 50 states, four U.S. territories, and 49 countries, and have witnessed nearly half of them enter the market within two years of their attendance.
“We recognize that the industry has entered a new era in which the kind of education and resources needed for growing brands is evolving. We are actively exploring and engaging with industry partners to adopt our course materials in their existing educational programs, ensuring the industry and distillers’ educational needs continue to be met.
Stave & Thief Society to End as Well
The statement goes on to say that the Stave& Thief Society, a bourbon certification program created to help support the growing tourism industry by training hospitality industry workers and bourbon enthusiasts, will also shut down but they are actively looking to find someone to take over the training. The statement goes on to say the following.
“While the spirits industry navigates an evolving marketplace, we firmly believe that enthusiasm for craft spirits remains strong among consumers. Our consumer and hospitality-facing program, the Stave & Thief Society, continues to connect with Bourbon enthusiasts, bar and restaurant owners, distillery tour managers, and other hospitality professionals through the Associate and Executive Bourbon Steward certifications. We are actively exploring and engaging with industry partners to transition the Stave & Thief Society into the trusted hands of new stewards before the end of the year. All of Stave & Thief’s scheduled in-person classes will be held throughout the remainder of the year, and online courses will be available for purchase and completion until December 10, 2026. We will keep our existing Bourbon Steward community updated as these changes develop.”
“To our attendees, clients, faculty, partners, and friends: thank you and cheers,” said Founder, Executive Chairman – Flavorman David Dafoe. “It has been an honor to work with you. We are deeply grateful to be part of this incredible community and proud of the support and success we’ve shared. As we conclude this chapter, we look forward to seeing the impact our efforts will continue to have on the industry for years to come. We remain committed to honoring the legacy at Moonshine University and the community we have built together.”
Related Stories
– Moonshine U. & Flavorman Founder Receives ADIs Lifetime Achievement ‘Outstanding Contribution to Distilling’ Award Aug 2021
– Moonshine University Wins Best in Show & Best in Class Awards at 2026 American Craft Spirits Assoc. Conference Apr 2026
Flavorman, founded by David Dafoe in 1992, is an industry leading custom beverage development company. In contrast to “flavor houses” that manufacture ready-made, “stock” formulations, Flavorman helps clients-big and small-bring custom products to market from concept to production planning and quality control. Flavorman has created 70k unique beverage formulations for brands like Crispin Hard Cider, Formula O2, Jones Soda, Chiquita, Joia Spirit Craft Cocktails, Go Fast Energy, and more.
— See all Moonshine University Courses.
— View all U.S. Distilleries.
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