Mint Julep Tours, the leading bourbon tour company in Kentucky, announced they plan to have their entire staff educated as Stave and Thief Society Certified Bourbon Stewards through Moonshine University in time for the 2018 Kentucky Derby. The goal is to offer a best-in-class bourbon tour experience and join the ranks as one of the companies in region with the largest concentration of certified bourbon stewards.
The Stave & Thief Society’s bourbon certification program curriculum, which has been endorsed by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and master distillers, was created in 2015 at Moonshine University and is designed to promote and uphold bourbon’s unique, distinguished culture by preparing establishments and individuals to deliver an authentic bourbon experience.
“We have challenged our entire team, from tour leaders to office staff, to all earn their bourbon certification before the 2018 Kentucky Derby,” said Sean Higgins, owner of Mint Julep Tours. “We want continue our proud tradition as the gold standard in bourbon tours, and that means our employees on the front lines and in planning need to have this continuing education to offer our guests an unparalleled experience.”
Each employee will take the necessary steps to become a Certified Bourbon Steward that begins with an independent study of the Stave & Thief Society’s handbook. Students are then required to pass an online test to receive their certification. Those aspiring to take their education a step further can work toward becoming an Executive Bourbon Steward; a day-long course that allows students to gain hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art classroom, distillery and beverage laboratory and develop more in-depth knowledge of crafting spirits.
“This certification creates a standardized platform of non-branded, fact-based education in bourbon with a heavy focus on production and sensory analysis,” said Colin Blake, Director of Spirits Education at Moonshine University. “We are thrilled that our certification is recognized as the best in the bourbon industry and that Mint Julep Tours would challenge its staff to seek this extra level of education to offer the best insight into all that bourbon country has to offer.”
Since its launch, The Stave & Thief Society has certified more than 300 Bourbon Stewards from around the country, including restaurant and bar managers, hotel personnel and distillery tour directors. Though the program was originally designed for frontline workers in the hospitality industry, Certified Bourbon Stewards are a balanced mix of service professionals, bourbon enthusiasts and professionals in the spirits industry.
Becoming a Certified Bourbon Steward isn’t exclusive to those working in the industry. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the distilling industry can register to earn their certification. Those who travel to Louisville for work, vacation or are just passing through can get a certification in as little as one day.
