Craft Distilling: The Vermont Experience

Training Overview

Vermont is one of the leaders in the nationwide craft distilling boom. This course will bring you in direct contact with a variety of processes involved in building, operating, and working in the distilling industry.

Through lectures, demonstrations, distillery visits, and hands-on experience, you’ll learn about:

  • The distilling process
  • Distillery design
  • Substrate choices
  • Basic business and marketing skills

You’ll also learn about variety of products, business models, scales, and construction types for distilleries.

At the end of the training, you’ll be asked to make a brief, casual presentation that reflects your particular interests and draws from experiences you’ve encountered throughout the week.

Training Design and Instruction

The training is directed and instructed by Dave Mosher, founder and Spirit Master at Black Flannel Distilling Co., in Essex, VT. Dave started Black Flannel in the summer of 2020 during the peak of the COVID pandemic. Dave’s education in distilling includes an apprenticeship with Duncan Holaday, founder of Dunc’s Mill Distillery in Barnet, and the original developer of this training. Upon his retirement in 2018, Duncan passed the course on to Dave due to his knowledge of the New England distilling scene and his passion for starting craft distilleries that produces spirits from scratch.

Tours and Hands-on Work

Opportunities for direct observation, tours, and hands-on work during the course will likely include:

Transportation and Meals

Self-transportation is required, due to the various locations of the distilleries and related businesses. Also, you’ll need to bring your own lunch. We’ll provide a lunch break and offer suggestions for local delis.

  • Location

    Vermont Tech Williston Campus

  • Cost

    $1,200