5-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.

Opera Distilled Workshop

Have a listen. Have a chat. Have a sip. Come to Moonshine University and see what we've cooked up with Kentucky Opera. We'll explore thirst quenching activities for your mind, your soul, and your taste buds!

Aroma Academy Sensory Training

We are happy to offer this class with Aroma Academy. This is a much-needed, and often underutilized, skill for spirits enthusiasts and experts alike.

Whisk(e)y Workshop

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.

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

Scotch & Malt Whisky Workshop

Join us for this two-day intermediate workshop developed to discover the many possibilities of what malt whisky has been historically, and what it can be today. Explore the different techniques used to make specialized, one-of-a-kind malt whisky. Try your hand at blending whiskies to match a flavor profile.

Fermentation Workshop + Whisk(e)y Workshop Combo

Get the Fermentation Workshop (normally $1,995) and the Whisk(e)y Workshop (normally $1,995) plus one bonus night at the Brown Hotel for the discounted price of $3,500! (That's an even better deal than in 2016)

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.