Moonshine University
5-Day Distiller Course
$6,550.00
This fully immersive 5-day course exposes the realities of day-to-day distilling while also taking you through the journey of the craft - from laying the first brick to getting a finished bottle on the shelf. The material is designed and taught by 40+ master distillers, industry insiders, and renowned operators of some of the most legendary brands. It doesn't get much better than this!
Analytical Testing
Bourbon Certification
Consulting
Custom Education
Product Development
Sensory Evaluation
Who This Class Is For
Newbies to the Industry & Enthusiasts
Distillery Owners & Operators
Production Team Members
Vendors in the Distillery Industry
5-Day Distiller Course
Course Overview
Embark on an immersive learning journey unlike any other, led by 40+ industry experts for a practical experience that seamlessly integrates technical spirits training with business management education. Each segment of this five-day experience explores a distinct set of distilling skills, complemented by expert panels offering unique insider perspectives. Topics span business plan development, distillery construction, regulations, marketing, equipment, manufacturing, distribution, finances, and other industry challenges and opportunities.
Amid the hands-on distillation of spirits, participants delve into the science of spirits production, examining mash bills, maceration, fermenting, and finishing at the on-campus beverage development lab. Tours and networking receptions, including visits to local distilleries, further enrich the week, forging professional and personal connections to last a lifetime. The course's culmination includes a brief graduation ceremony, allowing participants to bottle the whiskey they helped create and raise a toast to a week well spent.
What You'll Learn
In addition to gaining valuable insights on the distilling process and the industry as a whole, we'll go into depth on:
- Site selection & construction
- Equipment selection
- Permitting & compliance
- Production — rum, whiskey, vodka & gin
- Aging & finishing
- Distillery best practices
- Bridge spirits
- Business management
- Branding & marketing
- Packaging
- Manufacturing, distribution, & retail
What's Included
Tuition includes all class materials, including a 1,000-page resource binder and Distiller's Sensory Kit; breakfast, lunch, and refreshments; attendance to exclusive tours and networking receptions throughout the week; and transportation between our contracted hotel and our campus.
**Early Bird Registration covers your stay at our contracted hotel from Day 1 to the last day of class. The Early Bird deadline is 3 weeks before the first day of class.
High Proof Education
195 Distilleries Launched
46 Classes Taught
Over 70 Industry Expert Presenters
Caleb Kilburn's Journey
Caleb Kilburn began his distilling career at Moonshine University. After attending the 5-Day Distiller Course, he was introduced to the ownership of Kentucky Peerless Distilling where he served as the Master Distiller for many years. Currently, he is the Master Distiller and a Founding Partner of Eastern Light Distilling. Moonshine University is proud to have him as a frequent panelist during the 5-Day Course Distiller Course.
Danae Schuster's Experience
Inspired by her husband's dream of opening a distillery, Danae attended the 5-Day Distiller Course to learn about the industry and fill in the gaps in her knowledge. With the connections she and her family gained at Moonshine University, Burnt Barn Distilling is successfully operating in Paradise, California!
We're Here to Answer Your Questions
Expert-led courses for veteran industry professionals, newcomers, and aspiring distilled spirits entrepreneurs alike.