Why Learn to Become a Distiller at NCC?
Blend agriculture, science, art and passion to excel as a distiller, quality control manager, general manager or distillery entrepreneur. The Specialized Diploma in Craft Distillery certificate program, offered exclusively at Northampton Community College (NCC) on our Bethlehem campus, can be completed in just two semesters, including an intensive practicum working with a local distillery in Pennsylvania.
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Create Your Own Spirits at Our Partnered Distilleries
Collaborate with our industry partners to put your learning into practice, network with local distillers, and test your own recipes and ideas. NCC’s distillery classes partner with expert distillers like:- Eight Oaks Farm Distillery
- County Seat Spirits
- Doan Distillery
- Silverback Distillery
- Wardog Spirits Distillery
- Franklin Hill Vineyards
- McCall Collective Brewing Company
- Barley Creek Brewing Company
Read about our partnership with local distillers.
The Only Credit Program in the Mid-Atlantic Region
Distillers arrive at their craft from a variety of paths, but NCC offers the only program in the Mid-Atlantic and New England region where you can learn directly from industry experts, examining the process “from grain to glass,” while earning a professional credential.
What You’ll Learn
As you brew and blend your way toward NCC’s distilling certificate, you will learn to:- Understand day-to-day craft beverage operations.
- Demonstrate craft production through the knowledge of the history, science, styles and methods of craft beverage creation.
- Communicate effectively in industry terms for government compliance and with other suppliers, distribution channel members, employees and customers.
- Support an ethical and sustainable business.
- Develop professional craft beverage technological skills through experimental learning, ensuring quality control and safety.
- Read and accurately interpret financial data to make financially sound decisions to operate a craft beverage facility.
- Construct a business plan to promote a brand, including distribution methods, marketing channels and facility sites.
Program Details
Semesters: 2
Credits: 29.5
College Catalog: View Curriculum
Program Map: Download PDF
Locations: BethlehemProgram Overview:
NCC offers all the information you need to become a distiller, from the fundamentals of distillation operations to quality control and sensory analysis to sales and distribution. Gain hands-on practice in the art of craft fermentation production, beverage data analytics, marketing craft beverages and regulatory compliance.
DSTL101 Foundations of Distillation Operations
CRFT140 Fundamentals of Beer, Wine, and Spirits
CRFT160 Craft Fermentation Production
CRFT170 Craft Beverage Sales and Distribution
DSTL111 Quality Control and Beverage Sensory Analysis
DSTL121 Craft Beverage Compliance
Tuition and Financial Aid
The distilling certificate at NCC is the only credential of its kind across the Northeast and New England, and we keep it as accessible and affordable as we can. Our low tuition costs are competitive across all programs, with Northampton County students paying less than $2,700 each semester.
We also offer the state’s largest community college scholarship fund, along with grants, loan programs and other financial aid opportunities to help keep costs low—and to ensure you can wholly dedicate the first years of your career to your success.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
