Distiller's Class

[Hillbilly Rebel]

Thought you guys might want to know. Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY, near Frankfort, KY is offering a one day class on distilling. Supposingly they will go over their whole procedure in depth. Last year I got an e-mail advertisement on it and by the time I called the class was filled with a long waiting list. They haven't published it yet but some friends called and found out they are having three in '09, February, March and June. I was signed up by my friends for the March session. Weather in Kentucky in February can be really tricky, June is too long to wait. The cost is very reasonable.

[I-GOR]

If you're in Western Washington or lower BC, here's a seminar on Craft Distilling in Mt. Vernon, Washington state. Washington just changed it distilling laws (thanks to the guys at Dry Fly Distillery). They had 2 seminars last summer, which I missed, but they will have one this April and you bet I'll be there, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The instructors are from dry fly distilling. Click on the link for the power point outline. Some interesting facts about startup costs, production, marketing costs etc. for Dry Fly (in Spokane).

Here's the info.:

We had two sections of the Artisan Distilling seminar this summer. Due to availability of instructors, we will not be able to hold another class until April. I will put your name on the contact list and we will let you know when we have a date set. Meanwhile, please feel free to peruse the documents we have on our website: http://www.agbizcenter.org/node/44" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Thank you for your inquiry.

There were two workshops. One covered Artisan Distilling (two days, $345), the other was the Business of Distilling (one day, $95).


Northwest Agriculture Business Center
419 South 1st St., Suite 200
(Mailing: P.O. Box 2924)
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: 360-336-3727
Fax: 360-336-3751
www.AgBizCenter.org

[Hillbilly Rebel]

I'm glad to see that the available classes / seminars are scattered across the U.S. I believe the Woodford Reserve session is now $150.00. Below is the text from last year's advertisement:



Woodford Reserve Bourbon Academy

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your husband, father, or brother? Give him the gift he won’t forget…an opportunity to become an expert on Bourbon and American whiskey at the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Academy!

Let him spend the day with Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller, and discover the history, production, and appreciation of America’s native spirit. He will take pleasure in ‘Whiskey 101,” and learn the basics of whiskey history and flavor. The class will be completed with an interactive behind the scenes production tour and a series of tastings.

Woodford Reserve’s Bourbon Academy

Cost is $125 per person plus tax, and includes a bourbon inspired lunch. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Kelly Smith at (859) 879-1963.

[I-GOR]

Bein' that I used to live a few miles nearby, just wanted to point out to ya'll across the globe that the town Woodford Reserve is located in, Versailes, is pronounce "Ver-Sales". Go the other way and you end up in Athens KY, pronouns "Ay-thins". So, if you call to make reservations, you have to use the local lingo.

Wished I was still there, now that I got this new hobby.........

[Hillbilly Rebel]

Go through"Ver-Sales" and you will probably get a speeding ticket, too. Go I-64 to Frankfort and then KY 60 toward Versailes until you see the signs.