Finger Lakes NY Distilling Class September 12th & 13th
Last Shot Distillery Bourbon & American Whiskey Experience
📍 Located at Last Shot Distillery
Skaneateles, New York- 4022 Mill Rd. Skaneateles Ny 13152
📅 September 12th & 13th Saturday & Sunday
👩🏫 Instruction Led by Amanda Bryant
🍽️ Lunch Provided Both Days + Saturday Evening Gathering & Continued Consulting
Day One: Mash, Fermentation & The Foundation of American Whiskey
This class truly brings my journey full circle. For years, I distilled moonshine, chasing the craft one batch at a time. Then I met Master Distiller Chris Uyehara. Chris welcomed me into his distillery, this very distillery, Last Shot Distillery in Skaneateles, New York, took me under his wing, and introduced me to the art of crafting bourbon, America's Whiskey!
What I learned from Chris forever changed the way I think about distilling. He taught me that great whiskey isn't about shortcuts or secrets; it's about understanding the process, respecting the grain, and paying attention to every detail. Those lessons became the foundation of every class I teach today.
Now, for the first time, I get to bring you into the very distillery where that transformation happened. You'll stand where I stood, learn where I learned, and make bourbon using the same philosophy and techniques that Chris passed on to me.
Around the distillery, we call him "Papa U" for a reason. Master Distiller Chris Uyehara is one of the finest bourbon and whiskey makers I've ever had the privilege of learning from, and this weekend you'll get to experience the same welcoming, hands-on environment that shaped me as a distiller.
This isn't just another bourbon class. It's a chance to become part of the story that changed my life and launched everything I teach today.
Join us this September for the Finger Lakes Bourbon & American Whiskey Distilling Class at Last Shot Distillery and experience the craft where my own bourbon journey began.
Topics & Hands-On Work Include:
What legally defines bourbon and American whiskey
The history of bourbon and American whiskey in the United States
Mash bill development and grain selection
Understanding corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley and their influence on flavor
Cooking a bourbon mash from start to finish
Temperature control, timing, and proper mash techniques
Understanding gravity and fermentable sugar balance
Enzymes, starch conversion, and saccharification
Yeast selection, propagation, and fermentation strategies
Building an ideal fermentation environment
Troubleshooting common fermentation challenges
Throughout the day we'll also explore the history of American distilling, from early colonial whiskey makers and frontier distillers through the Bottled-in-Bond Act, Prohibition, and today's craft distilling revival.
Lunch is provided midday.
The afternoon continues with deeper fermentation discussions, production demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities for questions.
5:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Open Discussion
Day Two: Distillation & Whiskey Production
Day two takes you behind the scenes inside Last Shot Distillery for a complete whiskey distillation experience.
We'll move from fermented mash to finished spirit while walking through every stage of a production run together.
Topics & Demonstrations Include:
Distillery safety and operating procedures
Pot still design and equipment function
Preparing mash for distillation
Heat management throughout the run
Understanding vapor paths and reflux
Guided tour of Last Shot Distillery
Equipment selection and production considerations
As the still comes to life, we'll dive deeper into the craft:
Making proper cuts: foreshots, heads, hearts, and tails
Evaluating aroma and flavor throughout the run
Sensory development and tasting techniques
Blending and creating a balanced whiskey
Proofing and tempering
Barrel selection, maturation, and finishing methods
Reading the bead and understanding alcohol structure
Help Make Your Own Bottle!
You'll participate in the complete distillation run, from first heat through the final tails, with hands-on opportunities throughout the process.
Lunch is provided during the day's production.
Closing Experience
We conclude the weekend with a private tasting featuring a selection of Last Shot Distillery's whiskeys and specialty spirits, tying together everything you've learned from grain to glass.
Each participant will take home a bottle of the spirit produced during class (where permitted by law), along with lasting knowledge, new friendships, and confidence to continue their whiskey journey.
The weekend concludes with an informal gathering, conversation, and the opportunity to ask additional questions while connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
What's Included
Two full days of hands-on instruction
Lunch provided both days
Private tasting experience at Last Shot Distillery
Printed course handbook
Certificate of Completion
Take-home bottle of the class spirit (where permitted)
Continued access to guidance and consulting after class
Invitation to Amanda Bryant Distilling's growing distilling community
Important Notes
Class size is intentionally limited to provide a personal, hands-on learning experience.
Only registered participants may attend instructional portions of the class.
All activities are conducted in accordance with applicable federal, New York State, and distillery regulations.
Guests are responsible for their own transportation. Safe travel arrangements are strongly encouraged.
Travel & Accommodations
Participants are responsible for their lodging, though we're happy to recommend nearby hotels, inns, and local accommodations in the beautiful Skaneateles area.
Reserve Your Seat
This is a limited offering and part of a special collaboration with Last Shot Distillery. Class size is intentionally kept small to maximize hands-on instruction, and we expect this experience to fill quickly.
Join us for a weekend of authentic whiskey making, rich American distilling history, and an unforgettable hands-on experience.
Come learn the tradition.
Come experience the process.
Come make bourbon and American whiskey with us.
Must Be 21 Years of Age to Attend
Last Shot Distillery Bourbon & American Whiskey Experience
📍 Located at Last Shot Distillery
Skaneateles, New York- 4022 Mill Rd. Skaneateles Ny 13152
📅 September 12th & 13th Saturday & Sunday
👩🏫 Instruction Led by Amanda Bryant
🍽️ Lunch Provided Both Days + Saturday Evening Gathering & Continued Consulting
Day One: Mash, Fermentation & The Foundation of American Whiskey
This class truly brings my journey full circle. For years, I distilled moonshine, chasing the craft one batch at a time. Then I met Master Distiller Chris Uyehara. Chris welcomed me into his distillery, this very distillery, Last Shot Distillery in Skaneateles, New York, took me under his wing, and introduced me to the art of crafting bourbon, America's Whiskey!
What I learned from Chris forever changed the way I think about distilling. He taught me that great whiskey isn't about shortcuts or secrets; it's about understanding the process, respecting the grain, and paying attention to every detail. Those lessons became the foundation of every class I teach today.
Now, for the first time, I get to bring you into the very distillery where that transformation happened. You'll stand where I stood, learn where I learned, and make bourbon using the same philosophy and techniques that Chris passed on to me.
Around the distillery, we call him "Papa U" for a reason. Master Distiller Chris Uyehara is one of the finest bourbon and whiskey makers I've ever had the privilege of learning from, and this weekend you'll get to experience the same welcoming, hands-on environment that shaped me as a distiller.
This isn't just another bourbon class. It's a chance to become part of the story that changed my life and launched everything I teach today.
Join us this September for the Finger Lakes Bourbon & American Whiskey Distilling Class at Last Shot Distillery and experience the craft where my own bourbon journey began.
Topics & Hands-On Work Include:
What legally defines bourbon and American whiskey
The history of bourbon and American whiskey in the United States
Mash bill development and grain selection
Understanding corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley and their influence on flavor
Cooking a bourbon mash from start to finish
Temperature control, timing, and proper mash techniques
Understanding gravity and fermentable sugar balance
Enzymes, starch conversion, and saccharification
Yeast selection, propagation, and fermentation strategies
Building an ideal fermentation environment
Troubleshooting common fermentation challenges
Throughout the day we'll also explore the history of American distilling, from early colonial whiskey makers and frontier distillers through the Bottled-in-Bond Act, Prohibition, and today's craft distilling revival.
Lunch is provided midday.
The afternoon continues with deeper fermentation discussions, production demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities for questions.
5:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Open Discussion
Day Two: Distillation & Whiskey Production
Day two takes you behind the scenes inside Last Shot Distillery for a complete whiskey distillation experience.
We'll move from fermented mash to finished spirit while walking through every stage of a production run together.
Topics & Demonstrations Include:
Distillery safety and operating procedures
Pot still design and equipment function
Preparing mash for distillation
Heat management throughout the run
Understanding vapor paths and reflux
Guided tour of Last Shot Distillery
Equipment selection and production considerations
As the still comes to life, we'll dive deeper into the craft:
Making proper cuts: foreshots, heads, hearts, and tails
Evaluating aroma and flavor throughout the run
Sensory development and tasting techniques
Blending and creating a balanced whiskey
Proofing and tempering
Barrel selection, maturation, and finishing methods
Reading the bead and understanding alcohol structure
Help Make Your Own Bottle!
You'll participate in the complete distillation run, from first heat through the final tails, with hands-on opportunities throughout the process.
Lunch is provided during the day's production.
Closing Experience
We conclude the weekend with a private tasting featuring a selection of Last Shot Distillery's whiskeys and specialty spirits, tying together everything you've learned from grain to glass.
Each participant will take home a bottle of the spirit produced during class (where permitted by law), along with lasting knowledge, new friendships, and confidence to continue their whiskey journey.
The weekend concludes with an informal gathering, conversation, and the opportunity to ask additional questions while connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
What's Included
Two full days of hands-on instruction
Lunch provided both days
Private tasting experience at Last Shot Distillery
Printed course handbook
Certificate of Completion
Take-home bottle of the class spirit (where permitted)
Continued access to guidance and consulting after class
Invitation to Amanda Bryant Distilling's growing distilling community
Important Notes
Class size is intentionally limited to provide a personal, hands-on learning experience.
Only registered participants may attend instructional portions of the class.
All activities are conducted in accordance with applicable federal, New York State, and distillery regulations.
Guests are responsible for their own transportation. Safe travel arrangements are strongly encouraged.
Travel & Accommodations
Participants are responsible for their lodging, though we're happy to recommend nearby hotels, inns, and local accommodations in the beautiful Skaneateles area.
Reserve Your Seat
This is a limited offering and part of a special collaboration with Last Shot Distillery. Class size is intentionally kept small to maximize hands-on instruction, and we expect this experience to fill quickly.
Join us for a weekend of authentic whiskey making, rich American distilling history, and an unforgettable hands-on experience.
Come learn the tradition.
Come experience the process.
Come make bourbon and American whiskey with us.
Must Be 21 Years of Age to Attend