LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 21, 2026) — After 14 years of providing education and training to the distilling industry, Flavorman will conclude operations of Moonshine University and its associated programs on December 31, 2026.
This decision follows a careful analysis of Flavorman’s core operations and how the company can most effectively support the distilled spirits industry through product development and consulting services. It also reflects changes within the industry and Flavorman’s belief that educational resources can have the greatest impact when they are unified under established trade organizations, creating opportunities for broader collaboration and continued industry growth.
Moonshine University will continue to honor its scheduled commitments and course dates through the remainder of 2026. Scheduled courses will remain open for registration.
Since opening in 2013, Moonshine University has taught 337 courses, welcomed more than 15,000 attendees and supported the launch of nearly 300 distilleries of all sizes. Students have attended from all 50 states, four U.S. territories and 49 countries. Nearly half of the attendees entered the market within two years of completing a course.
Flavorman is actively exploring and engaging with industry partners to adopt Moonshine University course materials in existing educational programs, ensuring the industry and distillers’ educational needs continue to be met.
The Stave & Thief Society, which provides bourbon education to bourbon enthusiasts, bar and restaurant owners, distillery tour managers, and other hospitality professionals through Associate and Executive Bourbon Steward certifications, will continue operating through the remainder of the year. Flavorman is also exploring opportunities to transition the program to another organization. Scheduled in-person classes will continue through 2026, and online courses will be available for purchase and completion until December 10, 2026. Additional updates will be shared with the Bourbon Steward community as they become available.
“To our attendees, clients, faculty, partners, and friends: thank you and cheers. It has been an honor to work with you. We are deeply grateful to be part of this incredible community and proud of the support and success we’ve shared. As we conclude this chapter, we look forward to seeing the impact our efforts will continue to have on the industry for years to come.” – David Dafoe, Founder, Executive Chairman – Flavorman.
Flavorman will continue to provide updates and additional information through Moonshine University’s communication channels during the remainder of 2026.
About Flavorman
Founded by David Dafoe in 1992, Flavorman is an industry-leading custom beverage development company based out of Louisville, KY. “The Beverage Architects” ™ create custom-made recipes and flavors for individual clients. For over 30 years, Flavorman has led the beverage industry as the single-source partner in beverage architecture and product development. Flavorman’s clients range from start-up entrepreneurs to major international players in the global marketplace. Flavorman’s 77,000 square-foot headquarters is one of the largest beverage development facilities in the United States, including a state-of-the-art, fully equipped flavor laboratory, research & development laboratory, warehouse, and production facility. Flavorman’s in-house capabilities, industry expertise and product innovation offer its clients a wide range of services to turn their great ideas into money-making beverages.
