About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 1 Year Graduate Certificate
  • Campus: Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Code: 0783 P0783
  • Delivery Length: 1 Year
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Overview

Do you have a passion for spirits and an interest in the expanding craft distilling industry?

As a Distiller, you have in-depth understanding of the scientific, technological and business aspects of distilling and fermentation combined with relevant skills and knowledge in product production, testing and merchandising.

Highlights
  • Niagara College’s School of Wine, Beer and Spirits is renowned for its outstanding reputation with graduates, employers and industry partners.

  • The Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake is located in the heart of Ontario’s thriving distilling industry and serves as a living lab for students, including a world-class teaching distillery; on-site 40-acre vineyard; a fruit tree orchard; hop yard; and apiary as well as the Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery, Teaching Spa and Teaching Greenhouse.

  • Provides an in-depth understanding of the scientific, technological and business aspects of distilling and fermentation and the production cycle of distilled spirits.

  • Access the latest technologies available for small batch fermentation and distillation processes.

Career Opportunities
  • Agency sales representative
  • Distillation manager
  • Distillation technician
  • Distiller for small-to-large volume distillery
  • Export licensee
  • Operations manager
  • Product developer
  • Quality control inspector/supervisor
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Courses

Term one (2024 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
DIST9101 Distillery Operations 6
DIST9102 Distillation Science 6
DIST9105 Practical Distilling I 6
DIST9103 Introduction to Sensory Analysis 3
DIST9104 The Legal and Regulatory Environment 3
Term two (2025 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
DIST9202 Quality Control 3
DIST9205 Practical Distilling II 6
DIST9203 Quantitative Spirit Analysis 6
DIST9204 Capstone Project 6
DIST9201 Distillation Management 3
Program Outcomes Term: 1244
  1. Create spirits that align with target market interests and communicate unique stylistic approaches and flavours

  2. Evaluate the consistency, quality and flavour of distilled spirits

  3. Adjust spirit recipes, ingredients or production processes in response to quality or flavor concerns

  4. Employ advanced distillation and fermentation techniques to produce and package high quality spirits

  5. Establish and implement appropriate safety controls and processes throughout the production, packaging and distribution of spirits.

  6. Establish and manage relationships with consumers and community stakeholders to market spirits effectively.

  7. Comply with applicable provincial, federal and international regulatory and trade requirements to produce, package and distribute spirits safely and legally.

  8. Manage inventory, supplier relationships and the procurement of goods and services according industry best practices and financial and regulatory constraints.

  9. Evaluate and procure appropriate distillation equipment and/or analytical tools and services to produce high quality spirits.

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Admission Requirements

  • Ontario College Diploma (or equivalent) or Bachelor’s Degree and
  • Proof of English proficiency
Additional Requirements
  • Students are required to be 19 years of age by the start of classes.
Selection and Ranking

Testing or other supplemental evaluation may be required.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Note

Most private college courses and/or credentials are not acceptable as admission requirements for Niagara College programs.

Please contact the Admissions office at [email protected] for assistance.

Computer/Technology Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets or exceeds the following general personal computer technology requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop system running on an updated Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory.
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.

Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program. (learn more)

Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.

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Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

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Tuition

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This program has really opened my eyes to what’s happening in the distilling industry, especially in Ontario. I’ve learned way more than I was expecting to about the little details and the science behind it all, right down to what ‘yeast metabolism’ is and why it’s important. I never realized these things existed and if I had gone straight to opening my own distillery rather than enrolling in this program, I don’t think I would’ve been as successful.

Aislin Henrickson, program graduate
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