208: Becoming Executive Bourbon Stewards at Stave & Thief Society

Jake and Scott catch up with Colin Blake, Director of Spirits Education at Moonshine University, after becoming two of the newest Executive Bourbon Stewards. Stave and Thief Society, which is part of Moonshine University, is the first bourbon certification program recognized by the bourbon industry and the only to be recognized by the Kentucky Distillers Association as its "Official Bourbon Education Course." The Executive Bourbon Steward Certification is a day-long, intensive training to strengthen your understanding of the technical side of bourbon production, its history and relationship to other whiskeys, and the variety of aromas and flavors found in different expressions of bourbon. For those of our listeners who are unable to attend this class in Louisville Kentucky, Moonshine University recently launched an online Executive Certification which is helping people around the world to now become Executive Bourbon Stewards. 

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About Moonshine University:

Moonshine University®, located in Louisville Kentucky was created to bring together specialists from every facet of the distilling and spirits industries under one roof to provide education, training, R & D, and support for industry professionals, established companies, and those entering the business. With a faculty of over 50 of the industry's recognized experts, we provide the opportunity to learn from the best of the best, from distillers and marketers of the world's most successful brands to owners and operators of working craft distilleries.

Moonshine University® is located on a beverage campus that houses a fully-equipped distillery, state-of-art classroom, production facility with bottling line, extensive sensory library, and 24,000 square foot beverage innovation laboratory. Our proximity to industry supplier and manufacturing facilities allows us to incorporate "field trips" into our curriculum.

As the exclusive educational member of the Kentucky Distillers' Association, Moonshine University® has the full breadth and depth of its support. KDA members produce nearly all of the major brands and many of the well-known craft brands in the United States. It is with these resources that we are able to offer such an in-depth training and business education for the distilling industry.

About Stave & Thief Society:

Stave & Thief Society was founded in 2014, and is the first bourbon certification program recognized by the bourbon industry and the only to be recognized by the Kentucky Distillers Association as its "Official Bourbon Education Course." The programs were developed by professional distilling and spirits educators and advised by a panel of experts in the bourbon and hospitality industries to provide a premium, standardized bourbon education that is accessible and holds real value.

About Colin Blake | Director of Spirits Education

Colin joined the Moonshine University team in 2012 as its Director of Spirits Education. As a researcher and writer of spirits and cocktails with a background in film production and comedy, Colin is known for delivering expertly curated courses with an entertaining presentation. He is also the proud co-creator of the Stave & Thief Society. When he isn’t teaching, Colin is busy producing custom educational experiences for craft distillers and large spirits brands, alike.

Executive Bourbon Steward Course Overview:

Spend a day at our hands-on learning center and have the time of your life as you attain a real working knowledge of bourbon and bourbon production. Designed for industry professionals and bourbon enthusiasts alike, this day-long workshop offers state-of-the-art classroom training, hands-on distilling, and advanced sensory training, along with plenty of bourbon to enjoy throughout the day (for educational purposes, of course).

You’ll gain a strengthened understanding of the technical side of bourbon production, its history and relationship to other whiskeys, and the variety of aromas and flavors found in different expressions, giving you all the tools you need to build creative flights and guide your own engaging sensory experiences. In addition to joining the 2,500+ Bourbon Stewards from around the world who have graduated our program, you’ll also gain the ability to speak with knowledge and confidence when sharing your appreciation for Kentucky’s signature spirit.

Key concepts covered:

• Whiskey classification, including what makes bourbon unique
• The science of bourbon distillation and aging
• An overview of bourbon production practices and equipment
• The history of America’s national spirit
• Sensory and aroma training
• How to educate consumers in a friendly and engaging way
• Tips on how to build and conduct bourbon tastings

Included with your purchase:

• The Bourbon Steward handbook
• A 36-piece bourbon sensory training kit
• A crossed thieves lapel pin (upon course completion)
• A special Stave and Thief Society challenge coin (upon course completion)