Whiskey Distillers Workshop

Learn how real bourbon is made from grain to glass! This two-day, hands-on distilling workshop at Indian River Distillery in Vero Beach, Florida.
You’ll mash a full 550-gallon batch of bourbon mash, pitch yeast, and run the still yourself under the guidance of head distiller Ray Hooker.

Participants will experience every step of the craft: from understanding water chemistry and enzyme conversion to sensory evaluation of cuts during distillation.
You’ll fill and seal a barrel, enjoy lunch and local hospitality both days, and take home a bottle of Ray Lynn’s Reserve Bourbon.

Limited to 10 participants for a truly immersive experience. Florida’s most authentic bourbon-making class.

Info: Safety rule, how not to get injured, the fun stuff!

Info: Discuss water chemistry, how it effects the process and the final product. Add corn and begin gelatinization phase, discuss next grain additions and temp ranges.

Info: Iodine conversion test, SG/pH readings, ABV of mash, flavors of grains.

Info: How you grist effects conversion.

Info: Yeast starter preparation, pitch into yesterdays mash

Info: Watching the still, controlling reflux, and making cuts. Exploring the fractions by feel, smell, taste. When to cut and when not to cut. watching and experiencing running a commercial still.

Info: We will be eating lunch (provided) in the still room while it is running.

Info: We will fill a barrel of bourbon, talk about our barrel choice, taste the white dog, and seal it for future harvesting.

Info: learn when to say enough.... how to make a tails cut. Touch, taste, smell, feel.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Indian River Distillery