Moonshine University
Blending Workshop
$2,495.00
In this two-day workshop, our industry experts will delve into the intricacies of blending aged spirits, focusing on whiskey and rum, teaching you to make seamless blends of craft spirits. This class will cover the practical application of blending methods, applicable to both small producers and commercially-sized facilities alike.
*Please note – Class registrations will close three business days before the class date.
- Date:
- February 16-17 2026
Analytical Testing
Bourbon Certification
Consulting
Custom Education
Product Development
Sensory Evaluation
Who Is This Class For?
Whiskey & Rum Enthusiasts
Industry Professionals & Production Team Members
Distillery Owners & Operators
Lab Techs & Quality Team Members
Blending Workshop
Course Overview
Over the course of the class, you will learn all about blending theory and practice in aged spirits. This workshop is not limited to the books alone, as you will be guided through multiple hands-on blending exercises in our distillery, which is built specifically for teaching. You will learn information across a variety of topics to start your blending journey, from theory to practical application. Moonshine University gives you the tools needed to develop a product and build a blending program to manage your stock of spirits. In these two days, you'll learn everything you need to know to move forward with building a strong, successful, and consistent blending program at your facility or for your brand.
What You'll Learn
In addition to gaining valuable insights on the intricacies of blending whiskey and rum, we'll take an in-depth look at:
- Multiple hands-on blending exercises
- Goals, overview, & value of blending
- Principles of blending
- Fundamentals of blending
- Product development
- Whiskey styles
- Rum styles
- Flavor wheels and tools for flavor creation
- Barrel & wood policy
- Stock management
- Logistics of blending and blending programs
- Warehouse management
- Space & equipment needed for blending
- How to build a blending program
- Options available for blending
- How to turn stories into liquid
What's Included
Tuition includes all class materials, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and shuttle to and from our recommended hotel.
High Proof Education
Multiple Blending Exercises
3 Blending Experts
Blending Workshop
Meet Your Instructors
Head Distiller, Iron City Distilling
Matt Strickland
Matt Strickland is the Master Distiller at Iron City Distilling in Creighton, PA, just outside Pittsburgh. He has taken on various roles within the industry and has helped establish several distilleries across the U.S. and Canada. His main focus is on whiskey production, but he has also created a number of award-winning rums, gins, vodkas, and liqueurs.
Matt actively teaches in the distilled spirits field, serving on the faculty of The Distilled Spirits Epicenter and The Siebel Institute. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Examiners for Distilling at The Institute of Brewing & Distilling. He is a prolific writer, producing technical scripts for industry publications such as Distiller Magazine, Artisan Spirit, Brewer Distiller International, and Whisky Magazine. He is the author of two books for distillers: "Cask Management for Distillers" (White Mule Press, 2020) and "Batch Distillation: Science and Practice" (White Mule Press, 2021). His upcoming book, "Whisk(e)y: From Grain to Glass," is slated for publication in 2026.
COO & Cellar Master, Rum Central
Luis Ayala
Luis Ayala is a beverage industry veteran with 30 years of experience spanning all aspects of the alcohol industry. Along with his wife, Margaret, Luis owns and operates a US-based Distilled Spirits Plant that specializes in bulk supply of spirits and co-packing. He has also served on different advisory boards and has been an international consultant, designing turnkey distillery installations, training teams in fermentation, aging, blending and providing guidance during Mergers & Acquisitions. His clients range from small craft distilleries to Fortune 100 companies. Luis is also founder of The Rum University and Editor of "Got Rum?" Magazine.
"Successful distillery owners and operators must pay attention to every aspect of their operations. My mission as a trainer/consultant is to demystify the process and to empower them to increase the overall quality of the output in the most efficient way possible."
Luis Ayala
COO & Cellar Master, Rum Central
We're Here to Answer Your Questions
Expert-led courses for veteran industry professionals, newcomers, and aspiring distilled spirits entrepreneurs alike.