Wondertucky Distillery, the first legal distillery in the history of McHenry County, is now offering distilling classes to the public. Craft Distilling is one of the fastest growing industries in America today- now is the time to get in! Choose from the 3 day Basic Distilling Class, recommended for students who wish to learn in-depth and hands-on about the craft distilling process. Or prepare to obtain your DSP and open a distillery yourself with our 5 day Advanced Distilling Class. All classes are conducted on premise in our fully functioning distillery. Classes will be run by owner and master distiller Dave Cunningham, who has over 35 years of experience in distilling.

 

Topics in the Basic Distilling Class will include, but are not limited to:

   Introduction to Distilling (an overview of the chemistry behind the process)

   Distillery Tour/Learning the Equipment (how to set up your own distillery)

   Sourcing Raw Materials & Disposal

   Mashing

   Cooking

   Fermenting

   Distilling/ Column Reflex Still

   Producing Alcohol/ The Difference Between Good Booze and Bad (head/heart/tails)

   Water Treatment

   Proofing/ABV Measurement (how to use a hydrometer and read the proofing tables accuratly)

   Bottling & Packaging (running and working on the bottling line)

 

The Advanced Distilling Class includes everything covered in the basic class, and also includes:

   Business Planning/ Start Up

   How to Obtain Licensing by the Federal Government

   How to Obtain Licensing in the State of Illinois

   City Licensing Guide

   Navigating the TTB Website:

      Formula Approval

      Label Approval

   Distribution:

      The Three-Tiered System

      Distributors

      Front End Distribution

   Government (Federal and State):

      Forms (deciphering what you need and how and when to file)

      Reporting

      Tracking & Warehousing

 

In addition to this, the Advanced Distilling class includes free consulting services for six months after the course has ended. We guarantee that we will provide you with the information, help and support needed to receive your DSP or you will be refunded the cost of the class.

 

All participants must be 21 years of age or older.  All participants must paid the class fee in full before they will be allowed to take part.  All participants must sign the appropriate waiver of liability prior to their first class.

 

Pricing:

3 Day Basic Distilling Classes-  $3500.00

5 Day Advanced Distilling Classes- $5000.00

 

Payment Options:

You can pay by check or money order, no cash through the mail please.  Make all payments out to Wondertucky Distillery & Bottling, Inc.  Memo: Distilling Classes (Basic) or (Advanced).  Mail to Wondertucky Distillery & Bottling, Inc., Woodstock, IL 60098.

 

Please contact wondertuckywhiskey@gmail.com or the distillery office at 815-308-5271 if you have any questions or need additional information. Cheers!