Point Park University in Pittsburgh is a fan of booze. Point Park is launching a Distilling Science Academy to pair with its popular Brewing Science Academy, introduced in 2021, and another new program, the Winemaking Science Academy. The Distilling Science Academy will teach would-be distillers the science and process required to make certain alcohols, including gin, whiskey, rum, vodka brand and tequila.
“We’ve seen a growing interest in beer brewing and the alcohol and spirits field, and winemaking, and we’re fortunate to have qualified professionals among our faculty and partners in our region to offer these exceptional programs,” said Gregg Johnson, Ph.D., associate professor of electrical engineering, who oversees the programs for Point Park University.
Distilling Science Academy faculty
The Distilling Science Academy is taught by Matt Strickland, Master Distiller at Iron City Distilling. Strickland holds a master’s in oenology and viticulture from Oregon State University (2012). He has been in the industry for over a decade and has written two highly-regarded books on the topic: Batch Distillation: Science and Practice (2021) and Cask Management for Distillers (2020), both with White Mule Press, and regularly publishes educational articles in distilling publications.
In addition to Point Park’s Distilling Science course, Strickland is a faculty member at Moonshine University in Louisville, KY, and the Siebel Institute of Technology’s distilling program in Chicago. He is the only American to sit on the Distilling Board of Examiners for the Institute of Brewing & Distilling (UK).
The Brewing Science Academy has seen successful several alumni and now the Distilling Academy joins them with its first class of recent graduates.
“People interested in distilling, beer brewing and winemaking often don’t have the networks to meet those in the field and find like-minded enthusiasts,” said Johnson. “For those interested in advancing their careers, or moving into these industries, our programs are uniquely situated to help make that happen,” he added.
Distilling Science Academy Registration
Registration for the Distilling Science Academy is open until May 16. The class runs from May 20 to July 26 and Includes all course materials and six hours of lectures per week for 10 weeks. The class size is limited to 16. Point Park University’s Winemaking Science Academy registration opens in late June with classes beginning in September. All classes take place on campus.
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