Distiller
A distiller is responsible for the production of spirits, such as whisky, gin, rum, brandy, vodka or tequila. Distilling involves turning raw ingredients – grain, fruit, molasses, botanicals – into drinks that can be enjoyed around the world.
Responsibilities
You will need to select your base ingredients, ensuring that they comply with regulations, and then oversee the distillation process. When the spirit is collected, you must determine the style and character of the end product.
This can require ageing, blending, filtering or even sweetening if desired. A distiller is separate to a blender, whose job is to combine different batches to create the final product. However, a head distiller often serves as the blender too.
Skills
This role requires a strong understanding of chemistry and yeast physiology. Key skills include patience, creativity, a sharp palate and a safety-first mentality. The precise responsibilities will vary according to the spirit you are making. For example, brandy production is similar to winemaking, whereas whisky production is more akin to brewing.
The size of the distillery will also have an impact. Yet it’s typically a physically demanding role, which requires a great deal of inventiveness and a clear vision.
Career Progression
Many distillers have science degrees, but some learn the craft on the job, while studying towards a WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits or perhaps a degree from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. You might start out as an assistant distiller, before progressing to the role of distiller, followed by head distiller and master distiller.