Learn about distillery operations
Distilling is complex. This course makes it simpler.
We’ve created an on-demand course covering the fundamentals of distilling, distillery operations and the integrated, technical understanding needed to thrive as a spirits producer.
Modern, relevant and holistic
Most spirits training is designed for multinationals. It’s expensive, overly theoretical, and out of touch with the everyday reality of craft producers.
This course flips that model – offering practical insight, real-world advice, and a holistic view of how to run the operations of a successful distillery.
Increase your knowledge
As it covers all the major areas involved in distillery operations, this is an ideal course for those working in spirits production and wanting to sharpen their skills.
Theory is made practical, technical breakdowns are made accessible. It gives you the tools you need to become a better operator, and decision-maker.
Practical, affordable training that helps you improve
This isn’t a textbook or a PowerPoint – nor is it endless chemical charts and percentage tables to memorise for a test and then forget. It combines the theory you need to know, the technical elements you must get right – and applies it to craft scaled operations and the realities of what goes on day to day.
It’s the kind of training that’s designed to help you understand why things work the way they do, and how to apply that to what you’re already making.
Whether you’re refining how you distil, scaling production, or trying to better connect operations with commercial outcomes, this is the essential, real-world training built for craft operators with multiple roles, limited budgets and a need to increase their knowhow.
Join the distillers already improving their operations!
“This course was built to help distillers get better – at their craft, their operations, and their decision-making. It’s about mindset, skillset, and making sense of how everything fits together so you can keep improving, every day.
Olivier Ward – Founder Everglow Spirits
If you’re juggling multiple roles in a distillery, you need more than just theory. You need it alongside context, clarity, and guidance you can act on. That’s exactly why I built this course. So, if you want to improve. This course is your foundation for that journey.”
PROCESS, PERFORMANCE & DISTILLING
Technically minded and covering the spectrum of major categories, this is a programme for those looking to further their skills making Whisky, Rum, Brandy, Gin and Vodka and become more competent and confident operators.
01
Introductions
How does our course work, how to use the platform and all the necessary housekeeping to learn around your needs and preferences.
02
Raw Materials
How are materials processed and how are they prepared for distillation?
We look at best practice for ingredient procurement, supply chain and storage.
03
Yeast & Fermentation
A deep dive into yeast and how fermentation works across the spectrum, covering methods, principles and flavour creation.
We also cover tips for process improvements, and quality control.
04
Principles of Distillation
Insight into the principles of distillation.
We explore design considerations, continuous vs pot, some of the key features to focus on when operating and universal tips to improve the human actions (like cuts) to make better distillates.
05
Gin & Vodka
A deep dive into continuous distillation and both craft and industrial vodka production.
For Gin, we explore botanicals, several distillation techniques, how to increase yield and flavour clarity, cuts, styles of gin and more.
06
Whisky
From grain to glass – malting, mashing, specific to whisky fermentation, distillation methods and maturation.
We explain style specific processes and how to optimise your methods to produce a better-defined end outcome.
07
Rum & Brandy
Insight and info specific to making rum and brandy respectively, including specialised raw material preparation, fermentation, distillation methods and maturation techniques.
08
Health & Safety Process & Quality Control
What does best practice look like, how to go about process control and organisational structure?
We explain how to create operational consistency and discuss useful inventory management systems.
09
Design & Sustainability
Great spirits are build from the ground up, literally.
We explore how to foster environments that are conducive to consistent results and delivering optimum performance and quality – both practically and sustainably.
10
Beyond Operations
How to build your mindset to unlock success faster and integrating production into other facets of a distillery and / or brand.
Tips and tricks for how to embrace ESG principles within distilling, and build a distiller’s role beyond operations.
New distillers & those seeking career progression
If you are in the early stages of your distilling journey, this course will give you insight into how spirits are made, how distilleries are run day to day, and reduce the amount of unknowns.
It’s the ultimate way to save time, avoid mistakes, save money and create significantly better products.
For those interested in accelerating their career in operations, especially those in the craft industry where you need to fulfil multiple roles simultaneously, this is the best way to fast forward your journey.
Through the explanations, the context and the scope of what’s included – you will be more advanced, have a better holistic understanding of spirits and be equipped with ways to improve in your everyday operations.
Time to up-skill! Here’s what you’ll walk away with
This course is for those interested in developing further and improving themselves. You’ll gain:
- Confidence in your process – from raw materials through to final spirit.
- A better understanding of fermentation, distillation, health and safety, control systems, and workflow.
- Clarity on how to improve production, reduce waste, increase sustainability and make better decisions.
- Tools (and context) to connect your operations with broader business goals.
- A more rounded perspective that will make you a better distiller, manager, or owner.
- Insight into whisky, rum, vodka, brandy and gin production – plus how to apply best practice to each.
This isn’t just about learning how to distil – it’s about how to think, lead and grow in your role.
Continuous Professional Development
While the course is geared towards the individual and for those seeking to empower themselves and boost their own skillset – many operators are afforded training opportunities from their workplace.
With that in mind – to answer the frequently asked question: At the end of the course there’s a certificate of completion, as well as other downloadable materials that help further the value of the course to both individual and organisation.
These will allow you to better apply the learnings to your workplace, continue your journey and also provide documentation for those with formal CPD assessments.
Introductory price costs £160 (+ VAT where applicable) for over 12h of content delivered in bite-sized format.
Want to see the full curriculum and enrol? Click below to head to our course platform.
What makes this course different
This course was built differently, with craft distillers and independent operators in mind. Here’s how we stand apart:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: It covers a similar depth and width you’d expect from qualifications like the CIBD General Certificate, but goes further – connecting theory to real-world application in a small-scale setting.
- Pan-Spirits Perspective: Unlike many category-specific courses, we explore operations across whisky, rum, vodka, brandy, and gin, helping you develop transferable skills and broader context.
- Made for the Craft Sector: Designed specifically for distillers juggling multiple roles, it reflects the resource constraints and the need to be a jack of all trades when working in a small-to-mid-size operation.
- More Than Technical: We’re the only course that brings together operations, mindset, leadership, and business context – because producing great spirits isn’t just about running a still. It’s about decision-making, communication, and your role in the bigger picture.
- Flexible, Modern Format: Delivered digitally through video, written materials, and downloadable resources, it’s designed to fit around your schedule and support how you learn best.
“After years of consulting for spirits brands big and small, I saw the same thing time and again: distillers left to figure it out on their own. That resourcefulness is great to begin with, but it only gets you so far. It limits growth, creates knowledge gaps for new team members, and often means key decisions are made without the full picture.
Olivier Ward – Founder Everglow Spirits
Over a decade into the craft distilling boom – this is what so many in the industry have been asking for. Knowledge to help them improve, give them confidence and allows teams to flourish as they feel empowered with information they can actually use – not just pass a test with.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who delivers the course?
Our Distillery Operations Course is lead by Olivier Ward. Having spent over a decade at the forefront of the craft gin boom, Olivier is widely recognised as a global gin expert and an ambassador for the category. As a journalist he has covered the span of the spirits industry, from trade news, to industry trends, production insight and commentary.
Olivier is also a trained and qualified distiller, and has helped clients build distilleries in several countries.
Do I get a certificate on completion?
Yes! We will issue a certificate on completing the course.
While there are mini-quizzes to aid you in cementing what you have learned, this isn’t an exam based course.
How much does it cost?
Our Distillery Operations is £160 – less than half the cost of traditional spirits qualifications. It’s designed to be accessible to individuals, practical for teams, and high-value for craft operations everywhere.
Is it possible to extend the amount of time the course is accessible after purchase?
The cumulative total time needed for the course is around 12h. Once purchased, the course is available for 3 months. Ample time to learn at your leisure, and return to sections if needed.
Difficulty logging into the Course?
No problem – drop us a note and we’ll help!
Can I receive an invoice detailing my charges?
Absolutely. The course is hosted on Teachable and each transaction will carry its own invoice and tax receipt.