Over 30 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.

This two-day intermediate course examines a selection of whisk(e)y classifications including Irish, Scotch, Canadian, American whiskeys, and new craft whiskies that feature non-traditional grains. For each category, instruction includes thorough analysis of the individual components of the distillate and production process, standards of identity, and the product’s relationship to other whiskeys. Instruction is designed to provide an in-depth understanding and practice of whisk(e)y production, including malting, smoking, mashing, fermenting, and making cuts. Small-scale product development with table-top distillation allows participants to experiment with the process before moving on to the larger equipment in the distillery. Traditional and alternative aging techniques are also covered.

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, making your spirit of choice for the world to experience.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 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!

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 the history and bourbon’s relationship to other whiskeys.

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

Craft brewing has been hot for a couple of decades, and now, craft distilling is quickly gaining ground. Many breweries are considering adding a distillery, or even converting their existing space. Explore your options, and get your technical questions answered.