Hospitality Management: Craft Distillery

Program Overview

Northampton Community College's Craft Distilling Specialized Diploma program equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in the craft distilling industry. Through a combination of coursework, labs, and an experiential practicum, students gain expertise in distillation operations, quality control, fermentation, data analytics, sales, and compliance. Graduates are prepared for careers as distillers, quality control managers, general managers, and more, in a rapidly growing industry with high demand for skilled professionals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Craft Distilling Specialized Diploma program at Northampton Community College (NCC) is a specialized program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful distillers, quality control managers, general managers, or to start their own distilling businesses.
The program combines agriculture, science, and education to produce knowledgeable and skilled graduates who are prepared to enter the craft distilling industry.
• Objectives: The primary objectives of the Craft Distilling Specialized Diploma program are to:
• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the craft distilling process, from grain to bottle.
• Develop students' skills in craft fermentation production, beverage data analytics, craft beverage sales and distribution, and compliance.
• Prepare students to navigate the legal requirements of distilling with confidence.

Outline:

• Program Content: The Craft Distilling Specialized Diploma program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Fundamentals of distillation operations
• Quality control and sensory analysis
• Craft fermentation production
• Beverage data analytics
• Craft beverage sales and distribution
• Compliance
• Structure: The program is a 29.5-credit, two-semester program.
Students will complete a combination of coursework, labs, and an experiential-learning practicum with an approved craft beverage facility.
• Course Schedule: The course schedule for the Craft Distilling Specialized Diploma program can be found in the College Catalog.
• Modules: The program is divided into the following modules:
• Module 1: Fundamentals of Distillation Operations
• This module introduces students to the basic principles of distillation, including the history of distillation, the different types of distillation equipment, and the science behind the distillation process.
• Module 2: Quality Control and Sensory Analysis
• This module teaches students how to control the quality of distilled spirits, including how to conduct sensory evaluations and how to identify and correct defects.
• Module 3: Craft Fermentation Production
• This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the fermentation process, including how to select and prepare ingredients, how to control fermentation conditions, and how to troubleshoot fermentation problems.
• Module 4: Beverage Data Analytics
• This module teaches students how to collect, analyze, and interpret data to improve the efficiency and profitability of a craft distillery.
• Module 5: Craft Beverage Sales and Distribution
• This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the craft beverage sales and distribution process, including how to develop a sales strategy, how to negotiate with distributors, and how to manage inventory.
• Module 6: Compliance
• This module teaches students about the legal requirements of distilling, including how to obtain a distiller's license, how to comply with labeling and packaging regulations, and how to avoid legal liability.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students in the Craft Distilling Specialized Diploma program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Practicum
• Assessment Criteria: Students are assessed on their knowledge of the material, their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations, and their ability to communicate their findings effectively.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The Craft Distilling Specialized Diploma program is taught using a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Demonstrations
• Hands-on labs
• Field trips
• Guest speakers
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in the field of distilling.
• David F. Schweiger, Director of Culinary Arts, Hospitality & Sport Management
• Unique Approaches: The Craft Distilling Specialized Diploma program includes a unique experiential-learning practicum with an approved craft beverage facility.
This practicum provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the Craft Distilling Specialized Diploma program are prepared for a variety of careers in the craft distilling industry, including:
• Assistant Distiller
• Quality Control Manager
• Supply Chain Manager
• General Manager
• Production Planner
• Tasting Room Manager
• Opportunities: The craft distilling industry is a rapidly growing industry, and there is a high demand for skilled workers.
Graduates of the Craft Distilling Specialized Diploma program are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the Craft Distilling Specialized Diploma program have gone on to successful careers in the craft distilling industry.
Many graduates have started their own distilling businesses, while others have found employment at craft distilleries, breweries, and other beverage-related companies.