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News
IBD launches first on-demand course for distillers
The Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) has created an on-demand technical course to help distillers better understand flavour and sensory analysis.
The Spirit of Sensory Analysis course has been designed to enable distillers to implement effective systems of sensory analysis at their distilleries.
This is the first continuing professional development course for distillers from IBD.
Tom Shelston, IBD chief executive officer, said: “The Spirit of Sensory Analysis Course is our fifth short course within a year, showing the IBD commitment to establish a richer continuous professional development pathway in the drinks industry.
“This new short course shows our commitment to reinforce our learning offering for the spirits sector as this is our first on-demand technical course for distillers.”
The course will equip distillers with the knowledge and tools needed to understand and control spirit flavour.
Participants will learn how to run a number of sensory tests and assess results – which IBD said would improve production process and products.
The course is said to provide the same ‘technical excellence’ as other IBD courses, but without the need to sit a formal exam.
A downloadable PDF as part of the course will cover: the bases of spirit flavour; descriptors and thresholds for more than 300 flavour compounds; spirit flavour terminology systems and flavour wheels; tasting forms for more than 10 sensory tests; and statistical tables, equations and calculations to interpret test results.
Stuart Howe, technical learning and development manager, said: “Whatever the size of your distillery, this course should help you better understand spirit flavour and to get the best value from your sensory endeavours.
“It may also save you spending money on the services of companies providing sensory management systems and training.
“We are confident that not only will you enjoy the course, but it will also benefit your career, your distillery, your products, your consumers, and your sales volumes.”
In other educational news, Speciality Drinks launched a monthly education series in July this year.