6-Day Distiller Course

Over 40 industry experts are brought together under one roof 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. This course, designed and taught by distillery operators, industry insiders, and world-renowned master distillers, 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.

Stave & Thief Society: Executive Bourbon Steward

Executive Bourbon Steward (EBS) is the individual membership in Stave & Thief Society's Bourbon Certification Program. This certification provides classroom training, hands-on bourbon distilling, and advanced sensory training for individuals alongside owners, managers, program directors, and team leaders of hospitality establishments.

Stave & Thief Society Certified Bourbon Steward Trng

Certified Bourbon Steward (CBS) is the first level in the Bourbon Certification Program. This special session, not normally taught in the classroom, is available for registrants of the Certified Tourism Ambassador program only.

Bourbon Making Workshop

This day-long workshop combines classroom instruction and hands-on bourbon distilling. Instruction includes an analysis of the individual components of the distillate from a production perspective, as well as an examination of history and bourbon’s relationship to other whiskeys.

To-Be-Named Marketing Workshop

Getting to the marketplace has always been a challenge for the small entrepreneur in any industry.  Stiff competition, dynamic pricing, global giants and product saturation are only some of the hurdles that are set for the small craft distiller in 2018.  But the good news is this: this is the golden age of whiskey and spirits, at no other time in America’s history has there been so much demand for so many products from so many corners of the world.  And the better news is, there’s a space there for you if you are ready to face the challenge and get to work.

5-Day Rum Course

The 5-Day Rum course will guide attendees through the financial, marketing, production, aging, and blending of rum, so each person can leave with a complete understanding of how rums can fit into the economic landscape. The course will offer a great combination of theory and practice, making it the ideal learning tool for anyone whose livelihood will depend on their ability to properly produce and commercialize excellent rums.

Fermentation Workshop

Moonshine University is proud to present this class in conjunction with Wilderness Trail Distillery and Ferm Solutions. Hands on learning experiences: • Observation of the three stages of the yeast cycle (respiration, fermentation, sedimentation) • Pitch their own fermentation to observe later during the course • Observing and lab specs on a known fermentation started previous to course • Yeast counting, viability and budding observations •Troubleshooting/diagnosing known contaminated fermentations

Brandy Workshop

Learn about all aspects of the brandy making process, including equipment selection, raw material selection, sourcing, processing, fermentation, and distillation.  A wide array of aging and maturation techniques are covered. Proper sensory analysis techniques as well as in-depth discussions about the world's various brandy traditions and techniques will give students the tools necessary to best approach making a world-class brandy distillate.

Age-ucation: The Inside Scoop on Oak, Aging, Maturation, and Warehousing

Entry proof • Toast profiles • Char profiles • Species of wood • Bottle soaks • GC data Explore all of these aging variables, and more, in our brand new Age-ucation Workshop!

Tequila, Mezcal, & Agave Spirits Workshop

Mezcal. Tequila. Agave spirits. What is the difference? Join us to find as we explore one of the most regulated distillates in the world.

Full Proof Business Plans

Experts in entrepreneurship, best business practices, and anticipating regulatory hurdles, these gentlemen are going to help you put it all on paper, before costly mistakes are made - keeping $$ in your pocket! Leo Sharkey and Roger Wood of Echo Chamber Consulting work with both brewers and distillers, helping to plan business launch and growth, and now, they are going to help YOU.

Full Proof Business Plans + To-Be-Named Marketing Workshop

Map out your plan to success, both in the distillery and in your market. This combo of classes will help you define and hone the direction your company will take as you proceed. Discounted together at $3,300, this combo will also include 5 nights at the Brown Hotel if you register by the Early Bird Deadline.

Botanical Spirits + Agave Spirits Workshops

Who wouldn't want a week filled with the best custom spirits you could ask for? Come learn about gin, absinthe, amaro, tequila, mezcal, and other agave spirits as you spend the week with engaging presenters who will guide you to make your spirit well, the way you want. $4,700 for both classes, including your 5-night stay at the Brown Hotel with registration by the Early Bird Deadline.

Distilling Ops 201 + Age-ucation Workshop

Dive deep into the production side with a focus first on operations and engineering, then on the barrel and what happens once you put that distillate in the ricks. Specially discounted together at $6,500, it includes your 5-day stay at the Brown Hotel when registration is complete by the Early Bird Deadline.

Fermentation + Brandy Workshops

Spend the week with two of the most creative minds in distilling! Pat Heist will show you the ins & outs of fermentation and Matt Strickland will walk you through the delicate spirit that is brandy. Get both classes at a great discount ($3,500) and we'll cover your 5-night stay at the Brown Hotel with your Early Bird Registration.

Distilling Operations 201

You asked for it, and we’ve delivered: Three days in the distillery with Pete and Randy. This three-day advanced course is for distillers who understand the basics and are looking for in-depth instruction on day-to-day craft-distillery operations. Led by two industry veterans with over 50 years of combined operations experience, attendees will examine the entire production process from start to finish. Equipment selection, maintenance and troubleshooting, best practices for distillate production, product development and evaluation techniques, post-distillation processing, blending and bottling, sanitation and safety will all be covered in detail.

Gin, Absinthe, & Amari: Botanical Spirits Workshop

Botanical spirits are experiencing a booming renaissance. Using a broad palette of botanicals and styles, craft distillers are creating unique expressions that not only stand out on the shelf, but don’t have to spend years in a barrel to do so. Join us for this three-day advanced workshop focusing on botanically-based spirits. Explore the history, production methods, and distillation processes of gins, absinthes, and amaros while you learn about mash bills, maceration, and filtration.

Botanical Spirits + Agave Spirits Workshops

Who wouldn't want a week filled with the best custom spirits you could ask for? Come learn about gin, absinthe, amaro, tequila, mezcal, and other agave spirits as you spend the week with engaging presenters who will guide you to make your spirit well, the way you want. $4,700 for both classes, including your 5-night stay at the Brown Hotel with registration by the Early Bird Deadline.

Distilling Ops 201 + Age-ucation Workshop

Dive deep into the production side with a focus first on operations and engineering, then on the barrel and what happens once you put that distillate in the ricks. Specially discounted together at $6,500, it includes your 5-day stay at the Brown Hotel when registration is complete by the Early Bird Deadline.