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Distillery Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Quality Assurance Supervisor

Columbia, TN ยท On-site

$55K - $70K/hr

Audit bottling, blending and distillation records; review documentation for accuracy and completion * Investigate and document nonconforming preventive and corrective actions for quality holds

... processes, distillation, separations, heat transfer systems, and hydrogen production. The diversity of technologies on-site creates an exceptional opportunity for engineers to build practical ...

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Distillery information

See Tennessee salary details

$7

$17

$30

How much do distillery jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for distillery in Tennessee is $17.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a distillery?

A distillery is a facility where alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, vodka, rum, or gin are produced through the process of distillation. Distillation involves heating a fermented liquid to separate alcohol from water and other components, resulting in a higher concentration of alcohol. Distilleries can range from small craft operations to large-scale industrial plants, and they often include areas for fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling. Many distilleries also offer tours and tastings to educate visitors about the production process and the history of their spirits.

What are distillery jobs?

Distillery jobs focus on brewing, bottling, and shipping alcohol. As a distiller, you may use your knowledge of the craft to create unique drinks, support the production of brand-name products, or generally ensure that distilling operations continue as intended. Many parts of the brewing process must occur on a short deadline, so distillers occasionally work unusual hours when producing specialty products. Some distilleries focus on specific products, such as whiskey, while others create a wider selection of products. Outside of creating alcoholic drinks, can also find work as an engineer who maintains the machines, a driver who transports products to and from the distillery, or a manager who oversees daily operations.

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

To thrive as a Distillery Worker, you need knowledge of brewing and distillation processes, attention to detail, and often a background in food science or chemistry. Familiarity with fermentation tanks, stills, quality testing equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and the ability to follow precise instructions set outstanding workers apart. These skills ensure the production of high-quality spirits, maintain safety and compliance standards, and support efficient operations.

What are some common challenges faced by distillery operators, and how can they be addressed?

Distillery operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, adhering to strict safety and sanitation standards, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Addressing these issues requires strong attention to detail, regular equipment maintenance, and a solid understanding of the distillation process. Collaboration with quality control teams and ongoing training in best practices can help operators stay ahead of potential problems and ensure smooth, efficient production.

What is the difference between Distillery vs Brewer?

AspectDistilleryBrewer
CredentialsDistillation certification, alcohol licensingBrewing certification, fermentation knowledge
Work EnvironmentDistillation facilities, production floorsBrewpubs, breweries, production lines
Industry UsageSpirit production (whiskey, vodka, rum)Beer production (lager, ale, stout)
Common Search/ComparisonDistillery jobsBrewer jobs

While both roles involve beverage production, a distillery focuses on creating spirits through distillation, requiring specific licenses and expertise in alcohol separation. A brewer specializes in brewing beer through fermentation, with skills centered around brewing processes. Both roles are essential in the alcohol industry but differ in techniques, equipment, and end products.

How to start working at a distillery?

To start working at a distillery, gain relevant experience in beverage production or hospitality, and consider obtaining certifications such as a responsible beverage service license if required. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety protocols; applying directly or through industry job boards can help find opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Distillery jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Distillery jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Distillery jobs in Tennessee?

For Distillery jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Distillery jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Distillery jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Distillery jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Distillery job openings:

Infographic showing various Distillery job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,510 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Director of Sensory & Distillery Quality Control

Heaven-Hill

Louisville, TN โ€ข On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director of Sensory & Distillery Quality Control

G&A Director Bardstown, KY, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 2167

This role is based either in Louisville or Bardstown, KY. Frequent travel between our Kentucky locations will be required, along with travel to other Heaven Hill sites as necessary.

This role is based either in Louisville or Bardstown, KY. Frequent travel between our Kentucky locations will be required, along with travel to other Heaven Hill sites as necessary.

What the Role Is

The Director of Sensory & Distillery Quality Control will lead and institutionalize a world-class, enterprise-wide sensory and quality program across our distilled spirits portfolio. This role carries end-to-end responsibility for sensory strategy, panel governance, distillery quality control, and blending strategy, ensuring products consistently meet brand standards from raw materials through fermentation, distillation, maturation, blending, and bottling.
The Director will establish sensory as a core pillar of quality management and decision-making, while integrating microbiological control, fermentation performance, analytical data, process controls, and consumer insights into a unified framework. The role requires deep technical expertise in distilled spirits, particularly across fermentation, maturation, blending, and production systems, strong leadership capability, and the credibility to influence production, maturation, and executive teams.
The Director will also provide strategic leadership on blending philosophy and aged whiskey utilization, including long-term sensory and quality strategy for inventory originating from both the Bernheim and Springs distilleries. This role will partner closely with operations, maturation, Brand Teams, and FP&A to optimize blending approaches, protect brand integrity, support inventory management decisions, and maximize the value and consistency of aged inventory.

How You Will Spend Your Time?

Distilled Spirits Quality Control Leadership

  • Lead quality control programs across all distillery operations, from grain handling through fermentation, distillation, and maturation
  • Establish and oversee microbiological control strategies across fermentation and processing systems
  • Define, implement, and enforce process control standards in partnership with production teams
  • Provide technical leadership on fermentation performance, contamination risk, and yeast management practices
  • Establish sensory and analytical checkpoints throughout the production lifecycle to ensure early detection of deviations
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues across sites
  • Lead sensory and quality strategy related to blending and aged whiskey inventory management, including future utilization strategies for whiskey produced at both the Bernheim and Springs distilleries
  • Partner with operations, maturation, and commercial teams to ensure blending strategies align with brand standards, inventory objectives, and long-term product consistency
  • Oversee new make quality standards, retention programs, and long-term product monitoring

Enterprise Sensory Strategy & Governance

  • Design, implement, and continuously improve a company-wide sensory program across all brands and production sites
  • Establish standardized sensory methodologies, lexicons, and evaluation protocols
  • Define and maintain sensory quality standards aligned with brand profiles and specifications
  • Ensure alignment between fermentation/process performance and downstream sensory outcomes
  • Build, train, and maintain high-performing sensory panels across all production facilities and key supply partners
  • Develop and implement training, calibration, and requalification programs
  • Monitor and validate panel performance using statistical tools
  • Provide governance and technical oversight of local sensory panels

Statistical Rigor & Data Integration

  • Establish robust statistical frameworks for sensory and in-process QA/QC data
  • Ensure panel reliability, data integrity, and appropriate interpretation of results
  • Integrate microbiological, fermentation, analytical, sensory, and inventory data into a unified quality decision-making system

Consumer Insights Integration

  • Align internal sensory data with external consumer perception and preference
  • Translate insights into actionable guidance for product quality and innovation
  • Build and lead a high-performing sensory and quality organization
  • Develop technical talent and succession planning
  • Establish performance expectations and drive a culture of accountability and rigor
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