What are the responsibilities and job description for the Distiller position at WhistlePig Whiskey?
Job Title: Distiller – Master of Mash & Mayhem
About Us
WhistlePig is whiskey without compromise. Born on a 500-acre farm in Vermont and raised with one eye on tradition and the other on defying it, we make bold, award-winning rye and experimental expressions that push the boundaries of what whiskey can be. We don’t just make spirits—we make stories worth sipping.
We're looking for a Distiller to join our production crew—someone who knows their way around a still, respects the science, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-integrity environment. Bonus points if you can explain fermentation to a guest while holding a piglet.
The Role
As a Distiller at WhistlePig, your primary mission is to keep the still running smooth, the mash bubbling right, and the barrels filled on time—all while representing the brand like a boss when visitors, VIPs, and media stop by the farm. Reporting to the Head Distiller, you'll execute daily production with precision and passion.
What You’ll Do
(aka the not-so-fine print)
- Monitor pot and column stills with live instrumentation and detailed logging.
- Cook grain mashes on schedule, following SOPs to a T.
- Mill grain to spec, ensuring every batch starts strong.
- Track active fermentations using lab tools, logging pH, temps, gravities—you name it.
- Keep an eagle eye on wastewater systems to prevent production slowdowns.
- Execute Clean-in-Place (CIP) protocols on mash, ferment, and distillation vessels.
- Proof down ethanol, fill barrels, and log every step in real time.
- Taste and evaluate distillate in sensory sessions—your palate will help guide the blend.
- Keep the distillery spotless and safe, with daily cleaning and PPE compliance.
- Communicate openly with your team—especially during shift changes.
- Participate in guided distillery tours and speak passionately about our process.
- Lead tastings with guests, media, and VIPs—your whiskey wisdom is key.
- Represent WhistlePig at farm dinners, guest visits, and in marketing/media content.
What You Bring to the Distillery
- Experience & Education
- High school diploma or GED required, bonus for any relevant fermentation or distilling certifications.
- At least one year of hands-on distillery or brewery experience—or a killer combo of both.
- Skills That Matter
- Ability to read and follow SOPs, safety manuals, and production instructions.
- Strong communication skills for both team interaction and guest engagement.
- Solid math and reasoning skills to track flow rates, yield, and system health.
- Familiarity with lab equipment (density meters, hydrometers, centrifuge, etc.).
- Basic computer skills—mainly spreadsheets and Microsoft Office.
- Time management, attention to detail, and the ability to follow directions.
- Knowledge of fermentation science and grain-based spirits is a plus.
- Physical Requirements
- Can lift 50 lbs regularly, climb ladders over 6 ft, and work in varied temperatures.
- Comfortable working around pumps, motors, valves, hoses, and production gear.
- Other Musts
- Valid driver’s license.
- Customer-facing confidence—whether you're leading a tasting or showing a VIP around the still.
- Independent drive with team player energy.
- Big on pride, low on ego.
The mashbill: compensation, benefits, perks, and other fun stuff
The compensation for this role is a competitive hourly wage?plus a biannual bonus, determined by individual performance, paired with company performance and goals
Paid personal time off, paid sick time, paid volunteer time, and paid holidays
Industry-leading paid parental leave benefits
Annual Well-Rounded Wellness benefit, to support physical and mental health, environmental wellness and financial soundness for employees
Insurance plans through BlueCross BlueShield (health), including a CDHP HSA plan with company contributions, Delta (dental and vision), and Renaissance (accident and STD/LTD/AD&D coverages as well as life insurance)
Support and resources via EAP access through our health insurance program, with additional concierge, legal consultation, mental health, mindfulness and wellness resources through NexGen
Financial wellness benefits through FinFit, as well as discounts on and access to hundreds of benefits and services through Working Advantage, our Employee Perks program
Safe Harbor 401K plan with generous company match
…In addition to the opportunity to work with the world's leading rye whiskey – come join us!
The hourly wage of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, and training. The above hiring range represents the Company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.?