middleofnowhere Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I'm really just interested in whiskey. I make ~200 gallons of beer each year on the homebrew level, so feel I have a decent handle on mashing and fermentation. That said I can always learn more. I also have some informal training with distilling. In short I'm not starting from scratch, and would like to know what courses folks have taken and/or recommend? Ideally they're on the western half of the US, but I'm all ears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrEwing Posted July 5, 2014 Share Posted July 5, 2014 I Don't know anyone holding distilling classes out west but you may want to contact Scott Harris at Catoctin Creek Distillery in Purcellville VA. Go on line to his web site. I believe he holds a couple of classes a year. They are terrific people and have been very successful in the five years they've been distilling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TetonDistillery Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 In short I'm not starting from scratch, and would like to know what courses folks have taken and/or recommend? Ideally they're on the western half of the US, but I'm all ears. Our class is in Idaho near the Grand Tetons. The next class is August 1st - 3rd. Visit Yellowstone and Jackson Hole Wyoming while you are in the area. We are only 34 miles from Jackson, which is considered the southern entrance to Yellowstone. Everyone should do it at least once in their lives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northwestrum Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 I can highly recommend SIPS (Spirits Institute Puget Sound, www.sipsclass.org) which is in Seattle. I attended the last SIPS class (#13) and it was extremely valuable. I came to the class with quite a bit of distilling knowledge and this class helped fill in all the gaps (especially at the commercial/production level). Spending a whole day learning from an ex-TTB agent was by far the most valuable piece of the class for me. Feel free to PM me if you want to know more specifics about my experience with this class. Patrick Northwest Rum Company Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salishseaorganicliqueurs Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 I would recommend the SIPS Class as well. Rusty Figgins is a great guy and covers basically everything you would ever need to know in order to open your own distillery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3d0g Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 Downslope in Colorado does a bang-up 2 day class. They're very open kimono - from wash production to distillation to TTB to business plans & marketing, there's nothing they won't answer. They're just starting some hands-on one day advanced classes too. I took one yesterday and did a 100% rye mash and assisted with rum stripping and spirit runs. http://www.downslopedistilling.com/distillery-school/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dehner Distillery Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 I am going to start having a two day distilling class. And for a little extra anyone can schedule a one on one class. 100% hands on, ttb forms, mashing, bottling, the whole works. You will even distill something before you can pass my class. Info coming on line very soon. www.dehnerdistillery.com 515-559-4879 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gman Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 With no disrespect towards anyone in the industry my limited experience (several distilling courses including one at Cornell University) has been that not all courses are created equal. There are some that skim over the actual distillation process in favor of promoting a high-end still manufacturer and their equipment. In my humble opinion the course that Rusty Figgens gives in Seattle WA covers everything you will need to know to get a fledgling distillery off the ground. I took Rusty's course with a background in homebrewing and alcohol fuel production. My DSP is pending and his coverage of Media, TTB Compliance, equipment, labels, bottles, grain suppliers, cooperage, marketing, networking etc etc. ...has made the difficult journey 100 times easier... and he makes a good product ( & I can't say that for most places I've seen) I haven't been everywhere of course.. But from what I've seen the course at SIPS is absolutely worth double the money and twice the time. I'm sure there are other wonderful courses out there but my experience with Rusty has been spot on. Rusty has the formal education plus a lifetime of experience in the wine and distilled spirits industry.. And they make one hell of a lunch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HedgeBird Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 I thought the course done by Six and Twenty was excellent. Unfortunately its on the wrong coast for you. http://adiforums.com/index.php?showtopic=4367#entry24481http://adiforums.com/index.php?showtopic=3780#entry21871 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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