Moonshine University located in Louisville, Kentucky is responsible for helping to start nearly 10% of all craft distilleries in the United States and many around the world. Neither rain, nor pandemic can stop this hands-on distilling school. Classes continue to occur as the school has implemented strict CDC guidelines to keep it students and staff safe. Class sizes have been reduced to help with social distancing, mandatory health checks and masks are required except during sensory testing and of course hand sanitizing is made easy with each student getting their own bottle of Moonshine U hand sanitizer.
Since its founding in 2012 Moonshine University has been one of the premier distilling schools in the country offering comprehensive, hands-on spirits education courses and services to entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide. As of 2020, graduates of their hands-on six day distiller course have gone on to successfully launch 178 distilleries and counting.
Moonshine University Director of Spirits Education Colin Blake teaches a class. 
“Our mission has always been to advance the industry by training the next generation of distillers,” says Colin Blake, Director of Spirits Education. “The successes of our graduates, along with the world-class reputation MU has garnered over the years, are confirmation that we’re on the right track.”
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The six day course, which is their most popular has evolved over the last eight years into a comprehensive, hands-on experience that exposes attendees to the realities of opening a distillery— from laying the first brick to getting a finished product on the shelf. Attendees benefit from learning directly from experts in every facet of the industry. Networking receptions throughout the week allow students to gain valuable connections, while exclusive ‘field trips’ to a cooperage, distillation equipment manufacturer, and local craft distilleries provide additional opportunities for engagement.
“Before Moonshine University, there were very few training or educational opportunities for the craft sector,” says Founder David Dafoe. “Attempting to Google their way into the business not only threatened the success of would-be craft distillers, but the integrity of the industry as a whole— Moonshine University has since provided a solution.”
Industry expert Pete Kamer teaches hands-on class in the distillery. 
Dr. Patrick Heist of Wilderness Trail Distillery teaches the finer points of fermentation.
Moonshine University is gearing up to (safely) welcome its 30th class of 6-Day Distillers taking place October 18-23, 2020.
The school has trained students from all 50 states, 3 US territories, and 49 countries, with almost 50 percent of its 6-Day Distiller grads in the industry within two years of coming through the course.
Learn more about Moonshine University.
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