What It’s Like to Learn Inside a Working Distillery (Spirits Education in Action)
March 25, 2026
A live session from Virago Spirits offered students a firsthand look at spirits education in a real distillery setting.
Monday night, our Certificate in Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits course stepped out of the virtual classroom and into a working distillery.
Broadcast live from Virago Spirits in Richmond, Virginia, week seven of the course gave students a chance to experience the industry in real time, connecting what they’ve been learning with the people and places that bring it to life.
Experiences like this give students a deeper understanding of spirits education by connecting course content to real distillery environments.
Learning from Industry Professionals
During the session, Virago Spirits owner Barry Haneberg shared his perspective on distilling, describing it as both an art and a science. From the precision of the process to the creativity behind each spirit, his insights gave students a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the field.
Moments like this go beyond theory. They provide context, perspective, and a sense of how the industry actually works day to day.
From Online Learning to Real-World Experience
While the course is delivered online, experiences like this highlight the value of connecting learning with real environments.
Students joined the session via Zoom, asking questions and engaging directly with an active distillery. The result was a dynamic experience that blended accessibility with authenticity, allowing participants from across the country to step inside a working operation.
A Student’s Journey
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came from Brett Schlagel, owner of Distillery 64 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Brett traveled to Richmond to join the session in person, bringing samples of his own rum to share and taking part in the discussion firsthand. During the visit, Master Rummelier® Greg Hill presented Brett with his certificate of completion a few weeks early.
It was a meaningful moment, one that reflected both the dedication of the student and the community built through the program.
What This Means for Career Development
Experiences like this illustrate an important point: learning is most powerful when it connects directly to people, places, and practice.
Whether someone is new to the field or already working in the industry, opportunities to engage with professionals and see operations up close can shape how they think about their next steps.
It is not just about gaining knowledge. It is about building perspective, relationships, and confidence.
Explore Your Next Step
If you are interested in building your knowledge in spirits education and exploring opportunities in the industry, learn more about the Certificate in Rum & Sugar Cane Spirits