MGP’s Master Distillers Perform Key Role in Ensuring All Products Provide Customers

Schrick, who also serves as vice president of engineering, has been engaged in the distillery business for 42 years. Metze is a distillery operations veteran of 35 years. Recognized as master distillers since 1990 and 2000, respectively, both men concur that attaining this title requires extensive knowledge and training in essentially all facets of the alcohol production process and related functions.

“As in my case in Lawrenceburg, this position has always been achieved through on-the-job training and a lengthy internship under a master distiller mentor,” Metze said. “I had the privilege of studying under Larry Ebersold, who was a master distiller here for 20 years.  Learning all aspects of the facility, equipment, processes and quality control measures is extremely important since making quality spirits and whiskey is an art and science that depends on this knowledge. Additionally, although a background in chemical engineering is not an absolute requirement, it is extremely beneficial.”

 

Schrick agrees with Metze’s description of what it takes to become a master distiller, further emphasizing that the role “typically comes with experience and major responsibilities that include overseeing quality standards and the optimization of cooking, fermentation and distillation processes for certain products.” Schrick attributes the “educational guidance” he received while becoming a master distiller to Cloud L. “Bud” Cray and Ladd Seaberg, each of whom has served as board chairman, president of chief executive officer of MGP and who started their careers with the company on the distillery side of the business. He added that he also “learned a great deal about the art of distilling” from internationally-recognized distillers John Chambers and John Murtaugh, Ph.D., who served as consultants to the company at various times between the 1970s and 1990s.

 

So what do the functions and responsibilities of a master distiller generally entail?  According to both Schrick and Metze, principal activities are centered on consistently making high quality products. In addition to monitoring production schedules, product quality and multiple steps in the production process, including yeast propagation, other day-to-day tasks  involve making sure all standard operating procedures are followed and that all product specifications and organoleptic standards are being met. There is also considerable interaction with distillery operators and other internal colleagues to provide assistance and expertise in coordinating logistical issues.

 

“The alcohol industry wants consistency, experience, allegiance and a proven track record,” Schrick said. “MGP has built, and continues to build, a solid base of loyal customers due largely to our reputation as a reliable, innovative and long-established supplier. Adding to that, Metze noted that “many customers rely on the expertise of the master distiller to ensure the creation of products that are superior and unique to others in the market.”

 

Reflecting on both the professional and personal satisfaction he derives from being a master distiller, Metze said: “Producing what are considered to be among the finest spirits and whiskeys in the world is very gratifying. Customer satisfaction is the purest form of a compliment. As such, I take great pride in being able to utilize my background and experience to directly assist in delivering the results customers want. While challenging at times, solving equipment and process issues can also be uplifting experiences. Additionally, being able to perform an active role in developing unique and innovative techniques, distilling methods and mash bills is extremely rewarding.”

 

In addition to “performing a key function in ensuring that customers’ needs are fully met,” Schrick expressed satisfaction with his role in helping to train and prepare others to become master distillers. “There is no substitute for experience,” he said. “Therefore, I feel it is highly important to emphasize to others that a variety of issues can surface on any given day, resulting in challenges to consistently produce a high quality product. I also continually reinforce the fact that there are no shortcuts to achieving customer satisfaction. It is a major responsibility to make certain that every ounce of product we produce provides customers with a world-class pour.”