Brewing & Distilling: A Career Option For Those Passionate About Their Beers And Malts

It’s Friday night and the tiresome week has finally ended. All you want to do is, kick back, binge Netflix shows and gulp down a pint of chilled beer. It is one of the best ways to relax. Have you ever wondered that the drink which puts you instantly at chill is crafted with sheer excellence? Brewing & Distilling enthusiasts ensure you derive utmost pleasure sipping every last drop of the malt. 

Preparing a perfect malt is not an easy task. Coupled with passion, it requires knowledge of science, impeccable skills and craft as well as in-depth technical knowledge. A career in Brewing & Distilling is unconventional and lesser known yet equally fun and interesting. If you enjoy drinks more than just gulping them down, a career in Brewing & Distilling is worth exploring.  

What is Brewing & Distilling?

Simply put, it is the art, skill and knowledge of making beers and other forms of liquors like whiskey, tequila, vodka, etc which we relish during celebrations or when we have to relax.

What is required to pursue a career in this field? 

Besides having a strong passion and interest, it is important to hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, preferably in Science, to pursue a postgraduate degree in Brewing & Distilling.  

What does this course include? 

The best part about building a career in this field is that anyone can! The reason is, the course offered by universities teaches students everything from scratch about brewing science, chemical engineering, business studies and production management. It also includes the study of Cereals, Malting and Mashing, Wort Boiling and Fermentation, Distilling and Whisky, Maturation, Filtration and Packaging, etc. During the course, students learn the theory and develop the skills and know-how required to perform successfully in the industry. The course is over 9 months long. 

Heriot-Watt University (UK) is popularly known to be the best institute to study Brewing & Distilling. Here are other institutes that you can check out: 

• Institute of Brewing & Distilling (UK)
• University Of Nottingham (UK, China, Malaysia)
• George Brown College (Canada)
• The University Of Adelaide (Australia)
• Lincoln University (New Zealand)
• University Of Kentucky (USA)

What are the career prospects? 

It is always advisable to start small. Whilst on your course, you can assist local brewers to get on-field experience and understand how things operate. This will make it easier for you to land a job after graduation. Even after completing the course, it is best to take up a job with a local brewer first. When you apply to big companies, you must know that although you graduate with a degree in Brewing & Distilling, the company will put you through extensive training before you take on the job. 

The brewing, distilling and malting community is a small one compared to the other industries. This said, there might be challenges that might come your way when securing a job, however, it is a unique and rather admirable space to be in. If you have been pondering your career decision, this field is definitely one you should consider.