The Distilled Spirits Technology Certificate of Completion provides students with the knowledge and skills to enter into the distilled spirits industry in entry level positions. Topics include:
Distilled Spirits production & styles
Distilled Spirits equipment & maintenance
Distillery operations
Food safety and workplace safety
Students will apply their knowledge of distilled spirits production in hands-on laboratory-style classes located both on-campus and in commercial-scale distilleries. This Certificate emphasizes the knowledge of equipment, technology, and skills required of entry-level employees in commercial-scale distilleries.
The Distilled Spirits Technology Certificate is a required part of the associate of applied science degree in Beverage Production and Management Distilled Spirits Concentration.
Educational Option Information
This educational option can be completed: Part-time or full-time. Full-time students can complete the program in one term.
This educational option is designed for: Professionals seeking the knowledge and experience necessary for entry-level positions in the distilled spirits industry.
This educational option can be started: Any term
Primary course location: Main Campus; class meetings may be held at commercial distilleries.
Special Requirements
Students must be at least 21 years of age or older at the start of term for all BEV courses except BEV 1160
Students must be able to repeatedly lift 55 pounds
Students must be able to stand for the duration of the laboratory class
This program includes production, identification, and evaluation of alcoholic beverages. Students are urged to consider their ability to consume alcohol before enrolling in this program. If you have concerns about the role of alcohol consumption in this program, please contact an Advisor.
Additional tools or supplies required for this educational option
Students are required to purchase textbooks, personal protective equipment and clothing, and tools.
Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.
Educational Opportunities
Students will have the opportunity to earn the following industry certifications: New Mexico ServSafe® alcohol server’s permit, ServSafe® Manager Training and Certification, and distillery safety training certificates. Students completing the certificate may pursue an associate of applied science degree in Beverage Production and Management, Distilled Spirits Concentration at CNM.
Many of the courses in this program are transferable and some may be applied to four-year degree programs at other institutions. CNM currently has transfer agreements with many colleges and universities in New Mexico and elsewhere.
Career Opportunities
Both nationally and locally in New Mexico, the distilled spirits industry continues to show a strong growth trend with new distilleries opening and existing distilleries expanding.
Distilleries in New Mexico and nation-wide have expressed a strong interest in hiring trained employees who are familiar with the skills, equipment, and technology necessary for entry-level work in the distilled spirits industry. While the Certificate emphasizes content relevant to workers in packaging and production roles of a distillery, the Certificate would also provide important background knowledge for affiliated jobs, including:
Beverage wholesalers
Beverage retailers
Beverage servers
Distillery owners and managers
Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses
Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.
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