Artisan Distilling Workshop

The Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC) will host an educational workshop for producers interested in the art of craft distilling. Alexander Plank, Director of Operations at CARL Distilleries, Germany will be joined by Dr. Kris Berglund from Michigan State University and Nicolas Haase, Director of Sales for CARL Distilleries to deliver lectures and hands-on demonstrations on the basics of small-scale distillation. The trio has been coming to the Pacific Northwest for the past two years and over 100 participants have benefited from their two day program. Dr. Berglund has been a faculty member at Michigan State for over twenty years and holds the rank of University Distinguished Professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science. Professor Berglund has done more than most to introduce and encourage a new value-added industry: micro-distilling, transforming Michigan into a top producer of European-style brandy. As head of MSU’s artisan distilling program, founded in 1997, Professor Berglund has helped bring Michigan to a second ranking behind California in the number of artisan distilleries. The NABC is very fortunate to have the group come in with their technical knowledge available for Washington’s producers. The course will feature lectures and demonstrations on a 180 liter CARL pot still at Sodo Spirits in Seattle. There will be ample opportunities for discussion and questions throughout the two-day workshop.

According to Gary Merritt, Director of Marketing for the NABC, “Trends in the wine and microbrewery industries suggest locally produced high quality products are being accepted and sought after by consumers. Fruit brandies and vodkas are opportunities and possible answers to farmers lingering question of what to do with the portion of the state’s fruit crops or potatoes that can’t be sold on the market.” Craft distilling legislation in the State of Washington has opened up many opportunities in this exciting industry. Since the law changes approximately 20 new distilleries have popped up gaining a lot of attention from interested consumers.

For registration information and course details about the Artisan Distilling Workshop, call NABC at 360-336-3727 or visit NABC’s website. Space is limited to 25 participants.

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