Stave & Thief Society, an industry-leading bourbon certification program, will offer hands-on education for hospitality staff and whiskey enthusiasts Monday, Sept. 28 at Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co. The day-long class organized by Louisville-based Distilled Spirits Epicenter certifies bourbon experts with superior instruction in distilling, tasting and serving Kentucky’s native spirit. With Breeders’ Cup coming to Lexington this fall, Stave & Thief Society raises the bar when it comes to educated hospitality staff in the region.
Several Lexington businesses have previously sent representatives to Louisville to complete the program, including Keeneland Race Course, VisitLEX and the Kentucky Distillers Association. As bourbon culture and tourism continue to grow in Kentucky and beyond, more businesses see the need for a standardized training for front-line staff. Attendees distill bourbon, fine-tune their senses with tasting and smelling evaluations, study bourbon history and learn about area distilleries. Bourbon stewards at each business have the knowledge to discuss bourbon attributes, advise patrons on the spirit and distinguish basic flavor profiles. Individual memberships are also available for bourbon enthusiasts.
Enrollment is now open at staveandthief.com. Educational distillery Distilled Spirits Epicenter is responsible for coordinating the curriculum and administers workshops, learning materials and exams to prepare students to explain the state’s rich bourbon history, discuss Kentucky brands and guide customers to the ideal choice for their palate.
About Distilled Spirits Epicenter:
Located at 801 S. 8th St., Distilled Spirits Epicenter consists of Grease Monkey Distillery, Moonshine University and Challenge Bottling and offers educational and training resources focusing on artisan spirits. Through hands-on distilling instruction, classes and bottling services, the Epicenter brings Kentucky’s unique distilling legacy to life. Distilled Spirits Epicenter is the sister company to Flavorman, an international custom beverage development and ingredient supply company. Flavorman’s Beverage Architects and the Epicenter’s team of distilling consultants can take your idea through every phase of beverage development and production…from start through finish. For more information, visitflavorman.com and ds-epicenter.com.
