Master Distiller Job Description

A master distiller oversees the creation of spirits and/or liqueurs. It is a senior position and involves a wide-range of responsibilities including managing staff, overseeing the production line, product development, quality control, product testing and sourcing raw materials.

The master distiller is ultimately responsible for the quality of the product that a distillery produces. They must ensure the production and maturation processes are working correctly to create an outstanding product.

They are also the “face” of the distillery and will often liaise with customers at product launches, tastings, trade shows and other events. The master distiller plays a key role in ensuring customer satisfaction and the success of the distillery.

Responsibilities of the Master Distiller

• Manage the spirit-making team
  The master distiller takes on responsibility for managing the distillery’s production staff. They must direct their actions and ensure the product is meeting quality guidelines. In a large distillery, they may be required to manage hundreds of staff including other distillers.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the distillery
  The master distiller oversees every aspect of production including the sourcing of raw materials, malting, fermentation, distillation, maturation, blending and bottling.
• Developing new products
  The master distiller works with tasters, other spirit makers, marketers, finance and marketers to maximise the value of the spirit stock held by the distillery. For example, making decisions on how to use available stock in the most profitable way.
• Designing a comprehensive sampling and recording programme
  Improving the quality of the spirits produced by the distillery is the chief concern of the master distiller. They must create a program which samples and records the quality of the product produced and works towards improving that quality.
• Longer Term Liquid Planning
  A master distiller must plan how to store spirits over longer periods.
• Work with other staff to define agreed upon specifications and processes
  The master distiller works with other staff to refine the process of spirit making and defining a set specification for spirit production. That may involve tasks as diverse as wood procurement and wood seasoning, along with distilling and maturation processes.
• Maintain process logs
  Each phase of the distillation process must be logged and detailed records should be kept to ensure the product meets quality guidelines
• Develop a stock management plan
  A plan must be devised to continually sample maturing stock and make decisions on its use
• Work with the scientific team to refine all production and ageing processes
  To gain a better understanding of the production and ageing processes, master distillers are usually required to understand the underlying scientific processes. Once a scientific understanding has been gained, it is easier to consistently produce high-quality spirits.
• Brand promotion
  The master distiller will liaise with customers, the media, other distilleries and wholesalers to promote the distillery and its products.
• Develop new styles of spirits
  They may have to develop new products, often in conjunction with marketing teams and tasters.
• Plan staff training and development
  A master distiller may sometimes be responsible for training staff to perform specific tasks including milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, record keeping, cleaning and effluent treatment.
• Maintain hygiene and food safety standards
  Care must be taken throughout the distillation process to maintain the highest levels of hygiene and food safety. The master distiller must ensure staff are working to the highest standards.

Education

Traditionally master distillers gained their position by working at distilleries for many years and improving their craft. Nowadays, most master distillers are also expected to have an academic qualification in distilling. It is common for a master distiller to have a degree in distilling, chemistry, biology, food science, or microbiology.

Work Experience

Master distillers must have a substantial amount of work experience that reflects their ability to create high-quality spirits, manage staff, talk to the public, and maintain high levels of food safety. Previous work experience would ideally include the following:

• Previous distilling experience
  Minimum of 4 years commercial experience in distilling alcohol and managing production lines
• Management experience
  Demonstrated experiencing in managing staff
• Public relations experience
  A demonstrated ability to liaise with customers, suppliers, stakeholders and the media
• Project management knowledge
  Being able to manage a project and evaluate its success.
• Quality assurance experience
  Demonstrated ability to maintain a quality product

Key Skills

A master distiller has to excel in a wide range of areas so requires a varied skill set. Some of the key skills which they will use on a regular basis include:

• Advanced knowledge of all aspects of the beverage production line
• Advanced knowledge of all process involved with distillation
• Well-developed sensory skills for tasting and evaluating spirits
• Strong scientific knowledge
• Project management skills
• Managerial skills
• Excellent communication skills and public speaking skills
• Must be very methodical, logical and detail orientated
• Quality control skills
• Strong computer and mathematical skills

View the latest roles in the distilling industry here.

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FAQ

What are the core duties of a master distiller?

The core duties of a master distiller include overseeing the production process of spirits, managing the distillery’s staff, developing new products, and ensuring the consistent quality of the distillery’s output. They are responsible for every step of production, from sourcing materials to bottling.

How does a master distiller influence product development?

A master distiller influences product development by collaborating with tasting panels, marketing teams, and other experts to use the distillery’s stock in profitable and innovative ways. They work on creating new spirit styles and improving existing products.

What type of education is typical for a master distiller?

Typically, a master distiller will have an academic qualification in distilling or a related science such as chemistry, biology, food science, or microbiology. This formal education complements the practical experience gained through years of working in distilleries.

What kind of experience is expected from a master distiller?

A master distiller is expected to have substantial experience in distilling alcohol, managing production lines, leading teams, engaging in public relations, and maintaining quality assurance standards. They often have at least four years of commercial distilling experience and management expertise.

What key skills are required for a master distiller?

Key skills required for a master distiller include in-depth knowledge of beverage production, expert distillation processes, refined sensory tasting abilities, scientific acumen, project management, leadership, effective communication, public speaking, and proficiency in quality control, computer usage, and mathematics.