Introduction
When Aris from Aristides Distilling calls us, we know we are in for a treat. New ideas, great feedback, an initiative he thought about and that we – as a community – should maybe embrace. Here’s the digest of his latest idea.
Not all that want to distill want to own an iStill distillery. Not all that own an iStill want to do the day-to-day distilling. Why do we only focus on owners-operators from countries that can afford to open a craft distillery? Why don’t we also focus – as iStillers – on people from countries that offer less opportunities for distillery ownership, but for sure are interested in distilling and want to learn the trade?
And – if we can find and train people in the noble art of (i)distilling – wouldn’t there be a market out there, among the iStill community primarily, of craft distillers looking for a trained and motivated distiller? A job offer? A win-win-win situation, where people get a chance at education and a job, where iStillers get access to well-trained staffers, and where iStill and iStill customers can do a good deed in the process?
We thought this would be an amazing idea to execute on. We are not yet sure on the approach, but underneath are some guidelines, stepping-stones, or maybe just concept baby steps. Please look at the proposal and give us your feedback. If we are to do this, we need to do this together. If we are to do this successfully, it takes more eyes than just ours!
Step 1: Distillery Selection
For one iStill Internship, we’d ask for two distilleries from one and the same continent. Say that we take Europe as an example. Maybe Aristides Distillery would participate. They are based out of Cyprus. Maybe Kapela Distillery fro Croatia would be another participating distillery. Okay, great, now let the games begin!
Step 2: Candidate Selection
Via an application form an initial selection of three candidates is performed. These candidates are interviewed by each of the participating distilleries as well as someone at iStill HQ. Based on the interviews a candidate is invited to join the program. Priority is given to countries that are relatively close by and do not offer distilling opportunities. Lebanon could be a great example for European distillers.
Step 3: Training at iStill HQ
The intern is trained at iStill HQ in the theories of mashing, fermenting, and distilling. He (or she) makes whiskey, rum, gin, brandy and vodka, under the guidance of the iStill University Team. This training lasts one month.
iStill buys the plane ticket and takes care of visa, housing, food, and drinks. When the student has successfully finished his training, it is time for the next step. If he qualifies according to his mentors, that is.
Step 4: Training at Aristides Distillery
The intern is trained on Cyprus on the products Aristides Distillery makes. This part of the internship takes two months.
The distillery buys the plane ticket and takes care of visa, housing, food, and drinks. When the intern has successfully finished his training, it is time for the next step. If he qualifies according to his mentors, that is.
Stap 5: Training at Kapela Distillery
The intern is trained in Croatia on the products Kapela Distillery makes. This part of the internship takes two months.
The distillery buys the plane ticket and takes care of visa, housing, food, and drinks. When the intern has successfully finished his training, it is time for the next step. If he qualifies according to his mentors, that is.
Step 6: Off you go!
After completing the three-stage internship successfully, the intern either goes home or (preferably) gets a job offer from one of the participating distilleries or another craft distillery. If it is a new job, the terms and conditions will be negotiated between the (former) intern and his new employer. If he flies home, iStill will purchase him the return airplane ticket.
Your feedback, please
This is the concept. We are sure we are still missing some points. Please, give us your feedback. What is missing? What would make this program work or what would make it stronger? Would you be a participating distillery? Why yes or why not?
Please email your feedback directly to Odin@iStillmail.com
http://www.iStill.com
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