Syllabus
Some elements of Spirit Institute Puget Sound’s curriculum for Craft Distillation: Art & Science, Commerce & Compliance have been emulated by other shortcourses, for which we are very flattered.
Authored by master distiller Rusty Figgins, the workshop’s running order and lectured content are in fact the basis of a time-tested, copyrighted syllabus. Mr Figgins attracts students from all over the nation and internationally because of his authoritative style, his use of world-class equipment and methodologies, his standing amongst his peers and his access to industry leaders.
Accept no imitations! Insist on the best, most complete and comprehensive craft distilling curriculum! The SIPS Class curriculum, presented and expanded since 2008, is now undergoing preparations for its 29th session, and is currently in its twelfth year of being offered!
Over 450 participants have received the Craft Distilling Certificate offered by SIPS, a brilliant and resourceful first step toward establishing their commercial craft distillery.
Craft Distillation:
Art & Science, Commerce & Compliance
MONDAY
9:00 am - 10:30 am: INTRODUCTION to DISTILLING
presented by Rusty Figgins
Tour of XO Alambic (the Walla Walla area’s newest distillery!)
Classmate Introductions
Welcome to a New Industry
History of Distilling
Distillation as an Art
Distillation as a Science
Distillation as a Highly Regulated Privilege
10:45 pm - 12:00 pm: DISTILLATION ENGINEERING
presented by Rusty Figgins
Methods of Heating
Reflux and Condensation
The Pot Still
The Column Still
The Pot-Column Hybrid Still
The Continuous, Patent or Coffey Still
Copper and Stainless Steel, Compared and Contrasted
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm: BREWING CONSIDERATIONS for DISTILLERS
presentation by Teri Fahrendorf of Country Malt / Great Western Malting
Malt Selection
Grain Selection
Adjunct Selection
Yeast Selection
Brewing for Vodka Production
Brewing for Whisky Production
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: FERMENTATION FUNDAMENTALS
presented by Rusty Figgins
Grain and Malt Fermentation
Tuber Fermentation
Fruit Fermentation
Molasses and Cane Juice Fermentation
Honey, Sorghum and Agave Syrup Fermentation
Yeast, Yeast Nutrition, Enzymes and Oxygen Supply
3:15 pm to 5:00 pm: PUMPS, HOSES and FITTINGS (NEW!)
presented by Rusty Figgins
Choosing a Spirits Pump (one that does it all!)
Choosing Hoses
The Ultimate in Beverage Transfer Fittings
TUESDAY
9:00 am - 10:45 am: GAUGING of SPIRITS
presentation by Jay Skovbjerg of Anton Paar
Weight, Volume and Temperature Method
Hydrometry Method
Densitometry Method
Gas-Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Method
10:45 am - 11:15 am: PACKAGING for DISTILLED SPIRITS
presented by Rusty Figgins with Advanced Labels NorthWest material
11:15 am - 12:00 pm: FUNDAMENTALS of FILTER SELECTION for CRAFT DISTILLERS
presented by Rusty Figgins with additional material from Millipore
Activated Carbon Filtration
Membrane Filtration
Plate & Frame Filtration
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: DISTILLATION FUNDAMENTALS
presented by Rusty Figgins
Vodka and Flavoured Vodka
Gin and Genever
Rum and Cachaça
Tequila and Mescal
Whisky and Whiskey
Brandy and Eau-de-Vie
Liqueurs and Cordials
3:15 pm - 5:00 pm MATURATION FUNDAMENTALS
presented by Rusty Figgins
Barrel Construction
Barrel Selection
Barrel Care
Maturing Spirits in Barrels
Innovations in Accelerated Spirits Maturation (NEW!)
7:00 pm: NO-HOST SOCIAL
Fiesta en Jalisco, 400 W Main St, Dayton
"Is it Whiskey or Whisky?" ~ a world whiskey tutorial ~ $10 for four guided samples
THURSDAY
9:00 am - 12:00 am: BUSINESS of DISTILLING I
presented by Todd Buckley
Social Media Marketing for Craft Distilleries
12:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: BUSINESS of DISTILLING II
presented by Rusty Figgins
Creative Approaches to Fundraising for Craft Distillers
The Craft Distillery Business Plan
Spirits Sales, Marketing and Distribution
7:00 pm: NO-HOST SPIRITS TASTING
Fraternal Order of Eagles, 214 E Main St, Dayton
"Stump the Chump" ~ $10 for five samples of barrel-aged spirits, tasted 'blind' and debated for class/type; extra credit for country and producer
FRIDAY
9:00 am - 11:00 pm: DISTILLATION in PRACTICE I
presented by Rusty Figgins
Explanation of Distillation Equipment
Heating and Cooling Essentials
Health and Safety Considerations
Still Construction ~ Kettle, Columns, Condenser et cetera
Charging the Still
Applying Steam Heat
11:00 - 12:00 pm: STEAM HEAT for CRAFT DISTILLERS
presented by Howard Levens of Northwest Industrial
12:00 pm: Lunch
12:30 pm: DISTILLATION in PRACTICE II
presented by Rusty Figgins
Actual Distillation Demonstration
Heads, or Foreshots
Hearts, or Body Spirits
Tails, or Feints
Final Gauging and Record-Keeping
Sanitizing the Still
2:45 pm - 3:00 pm: CLOSING REMARKS ~ ANNOUNCEMENTS
Go Forth with Great Spirit!
Conferration of Awards
Workshop Adjourns