Overview
Narrative
Northampton Community College offers a unique degree in Craft Distillery. The program is the only one in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions that allows students to learn from “grain to glass.” The craft beverage industry is one of the fastest growing industry segments that hosts a variety of different job opportunities.
Program Features
The specialized degree of craft distilling combines agriculture, science, and education. Learn fermentation, distilling, proofing, aging, bottling, and product evaluation through NCC’s one-year credit program. The specialized diploma addresses legal requirements within the craft distilling industry. Students will study from industry expert instructors and gain essential information on making spirits through a series of labs, hands-on, and practical experiences.
Students have the opportunity to take the Level 1 Award in Spirits through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
Industry Partners: Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, County Seat Spirits, Doan Distillery, Silverback Distillery, Wardog Spirits Distillery, Franklin Hill Vineyards, McCall Collective Brewing Company, and Barley Creek Brewing Company
Career Potentials in Craft Distillery: Brewer, Distiller, Distilling Apprentice, Maltster, Process Engineer, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Production Planner, Supply Chain Management, Tasting Room Manager, Sales & Marketing
Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
1. Understand day to day craft beverage operations through development of technical skills and acquiring industry terms.
2. Demonstrate craft production through the knowledge of the history, science, styles and methods of craft beverage creation.
3. Communicate effectively for government compliance and with other suppliers, distribution channel members, employees, and customers to support an ethical and sustainable business.
4. Develop professional craft beverage technological skills through experimental learning ensuring quality control and safety.
5. Read and accurately interpret financial data to make financially sound decisions to operate a craft beverage facility.
6. Utilize critical thinking skills by constructing a business plan to promote a brand, distribution methods, marketing channels, and facility site.