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News Release — Vermont Technical College

April 10, 2014

Contact:

Martha Trombley Oakes

Vermont Tech

802.728.1732

[email protected]

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Julia Lyon

People Making Good PR

802.863.3929 x110

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— Available this May, the College presents unique opportunities for students and community members —

Randolph, Vt. — Vermont Tech is now enrolling for two new short courses that are being offered at the college for the first time. As Vermont’s reputation for craft beer and spirits is quickly growing, this May the college is offering Craft Distilling as a Profession: The Vermont Experience, and Brewing: Science, Safety, Sensory and Skills courses for students and community members interested in these fields. Brewer Steve Parks and distiller Duncan Holaday both have extensive experience in their industries and will lead students in these courses. The Brewing course will run from May 12-18 and the Craft Distilling course will be held from May 19-30.

“We are very excited to offer these hands-on short courses at Vermont Tech this spring,” said Director for the Institute for Applied Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Tech Chris Dutton. “These courses provide a unique opportunity for those interested in brewing and distilling to make those passions a reality. Our practical approach to these fields allows students to experience brewing and distilling first-hand with industry experts, making these courses unlike anything currently available.”

During the one-week Brewing course, students will gain skills ranging from brewing safety to quality testing. They will be exposed to equipment, general operation and the science of brewing through hands-on experience at Drop-In Brewery, in Middlebury, VT. After completing this short course, students will walk away with the ability to produce quality craft beer and work effectively in a brewery. Enrollment in this course costs $1,500 and no prior brewing experience is necessary.

In the 11-day Distilling course, students will study everything from the marketing of spirits, to the science of distilling using Vermont ingredients. Through lectures, labs and hands-on experience at four different distilleries, students will effectively learn the basics of the industry including licensing, environmental concerns, permits, safety and quality control. Participants of the course will also tour three additional Vermont businesses to see examples of the distilling industry in action. Craft Distilling as a Profession will be based at the Randolph Center Campus and costs $2500. No prior distilling experience is needed and students must be 21 years of age or older for both courses.

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For additional information about Vermont Tech’s upcoming short courses and how to enroll, please visit www.vtc.edu/agricultureinstitute or call (802)728-1677.