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Distiller information

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$10

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How much do distiller jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for distiller in the United States is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distiller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distiller, you need a strong understanding of fermentation, chemistry, and quality control, often supported by relevant experience or a degree in food science or a related field. Familiarity with distillation equipment, quality assurance systems, and safety certifications such as HACCP is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the consistent production of high-quality spirits, compliance with safety standards, and efficient operation in a regulated industry.

Is distilling a hard job?

Distilling can be physically demanding and requires attention to detail, precision, and knowledge of safety protocols. It often involves long hours in a production environment and the use of specialized equipment, making it a challenging but skilled profession.

How much money does a distiller make?

A distiller's salary varies depending on experience, location, and the type of distillery, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 annually. Skilled distillers with certifications and experience can earn higher wages, especially in larger or more established facilities.

What are distillers?

Distillers are professionals who operate and manage the process of converting raw materials, such as grains, fruits, or botanicals, into distilled spirits like whiskey, vodka, or gin. They oversee the fermentation, distillation, and aging processes to ensure the production of high-quality alcoholic beverages. Distillers also monitor equipment, maintain safety and cleanliness standards, and may be involved in developing new flavors or products. Their expertise combines science, craftsmanship, and attention to detail to create unique and consistent spirits.

What Is the Job of a Distiller?

The job duties of a distiller involve working in a distillery that produces spirits, such as whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, or other forms of liquor. The distillation process that you oversee in this career may vary slightly depending on the type of alcohol that you create. Generally, your responsibilities involve gathering water and raw materials and putting them through a fermentation process. In many cases, you may oversee blending and bottling. In larger distilleries, a master distiller is in charge of a team of professionals, each of whom carries out one step in the production process.

What is a distiller job description?

A distiller is responsible for producing spirits by fermenting and distilling liquids, operating and maintaining distillation equipment, and ensuring product quality and safety. The role often requires knowledge of brewing or distillation processes, attention to detail, and adherence to safety regulations and standards.

What are some common challenges faced by distillers during the production process?

Distillers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency in flavor and quality across batches, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety and sanitation regulations. Additionally, they must carefully monitor fermentation and distillation conditions to prevent unwanted flavors or product loss. Collaboration with quality control teams and continuous learning about new techniques or industry standards is essential for overcoming these challenges and producing high-quality spirits.

What is the difference between Distiller vs Brewer?

AspectDistillerBrewer
CredentialsTypically requires a certification in distillation or alcohol productionOften requires brewing certifications or related training
Work EnvironmentDistilleries focused on spirits like whiskey, vodka, rumBreweries producing beer or similar fermented beverages
Industry UsageUsed in spirits manufacturing industryUsed in craft and commercial beer production
Common Search/ComparisonDistiller vs Brewer

While both roles involve beverage production, a Distiller specializes in creating spirits through distillation, whereas a Brewer focuses on brewing beer through fermentation. The skills, certifications, and work environments differ, making each role unique within the beverage industry.

What does it take to become a distiller?

Becoming a distiller typically requires a combination of relevant experience, knowledge of fermentation and distillation processes, and sometimes formal training or certifications. Many distillers start in entry-level roles in beverage production, learn on the job, and develop skills in operating distillation equipment and quality control.
More about Distiller jobs
What cities are hiring for Distiller jobs? Cities with the most Distiller job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Distiller jobs? The most popular types of Distiller jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Distiller jobs? The top employers for Distiller jobs are:
What states have the most Distiller jobs? States with the most job openings for Distiller jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Distiller jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Distiller jobs are:
Distiller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distiller job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,452 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Maintenance Supervisor - Buffalo Trace Distillery

Maintenance Supervisor - Buffalo Trace Distillery

Sazerac Company

Frankfort, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Sazerac rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 389 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Sazerac Company Overview
Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton's, Traveller, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Svedka, Wheatley, BuzzBallz, Southern Comfort, Seagram's V.O., Myers's, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.
We're proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the "Best Places to Work in Kentucky" four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of "world's most award-winning distillery" through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.
Company/Location Overview
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery's rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named "Brand Innovator of the Year" by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. The distillery is part of the Sazerac family of companies.
Job Description/Responsibilities
The opportunity:
This is not your average maintenance role. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a National Historic Landmark spanning 450 acres in Frankfort, Kentucky - a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye, and vodka with a tradition dating back to 1773. The campus is a living piece of American history, with a legacy shaped by legends such as E.H. Taylor Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, and Elmer T. Lee.
As Maintenance Supervisor, you will hold the keys to keeping this entire iconic campus running at peak performance. This is a campus-wide leadership role - not a single-line or single-building assignment. You will command a skilled team of mechanics and electricians, drive a culture of operational excellence, and leave your mark on one of the most celebrated distilleries in the world.
What you'll do:
Lead Campus-Wide Maintenance Operations
  • Direct and supervise mechanics and electricians across the full 450-acre campus, ensuring distillery, bottling, and packaging lines operate at peak efficiency.
  • Serve as the primary maintenance leader for the entire site - anticipating challenges, resolving issues proactively, and setting the standard for operational excellence.
  • Plan and implement campus-wide operational and mechanical improvements, contributing to long-term infrastructure strategies.

Drive Team Success & Build a Winning Culture
  • Inspire, coach, and develop your maintenance team - creating a culture where every technician is empowered to grow, excel, and take pride in maintaining a world-class facility.
  • Motivate your team with clear goals, structured development plans, and consistent recognition of high performance.
  • Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Deliver impactful technical training to maintenance technicians, mechanics, and operators, elevating skill levels across the board.

Ensure Safety, Quality & Compliance - Always
  • Champion a safety-first mindset across every inch of the campus - leading by example, conducting inspections, and ensuring co-workers never work unsafely.
  • Ensure all equipment is installed, set up, and maintained in full compliance with package specifications, Food Safety, OSHA, HACCP, and Environmental Policies.
  • Analyze and resolve quality problems related to the Maintenance Department swiftly and decisively.

Optimize Performance & Manage Resources
  • Track efficiencies and production data to continuously improve yields and output across all campus operations.
  • Assist in preparing and managing annual operating budgets for the Maintenance Department, reducing costs without sacrificing quality.
  • Evaluate employee performance, identify skill gaps, and build targeted improvement plans that move the needle.

Qualifications/Requirements
What you'll bring:
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • 3+ years of relevant maintenance leadership experience
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Strong ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Good vision and manual dexterity

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in beverage processing or distillery/manufacturing environments
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles
  • 4+ years designing and/or implementing OSHA, HACCP, or USDA programs

Working hours are 6pm-6am on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule
Why join our team?
  • Lead maintenance across one of America's most iconic and historic distilleries
  • Shape the future of a 450-acre campus that is a National Historic Landmark
  • Join a company with 20+ consecutive years of double-digit growth
  • Competitive salary, full benefits, and a culture that invests in your development
  • Be part of the team behind the world's most award-winning distillery

#LI-JC1
Culture and Benefits
Sazerac offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, paid time off, and more. These benefits may vary depending on location and work type. Learn more about how we support our employees here.
Sazerac is committed to equality of opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status.
What's Next:
After you apply, a recruiter will review your application and reach out to qualified candidates. Selected candidates will follow our interview process, which may include a phone screen, hiring manager interview, and panel interviews with business leaders. There may be additional steps or assessments throughout the process dependent on the position. Applicants who are not selected to move through the process, at any stage, will be notified via email.

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