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Internship Distillery Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Associate Chemist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Our ambitious growth trajectory includes a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for ... Internship, co-op, and undergraduate research experience will be considered. * Hands-on experience ...

Associate Chemist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$23.25 - $30.75/hr

Our ambitious growth trajectory includes a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for ... Internship, co-op, and undergraduate research experience will be considered. * Hands-on experience ...

Manufacturing Supervisor

Frankfort, KY

$33.98 - $50.98/hr

  • Retirement

As a Bottling Supervisor at Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac), you will lead the day-to-day ... Internship, co-op, or academic project experience in a manufacturing, operations, or supply chain ...

Manufacturing Supervisor

Frankfort, KY · On-site

$70K - $106K/yr

  • Retirement

As a Bottling Supervisor at Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac), you will lead the day-to-day ... Internship, co-op, or academic project experience in a manufacturing, operations, or supply chain ...

Internship Distillery information

See Kentucky salary details

$7

$15

$20

How much do internship distillery jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship distillery in Kentucky is $15.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the internship distillery position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distillery Intern, candidates should have a foundational understanding of chemistry or food science, along with attention to detail and a genuine interest in the beverage or spirits industry. Familiarity with lab equipment, fermentation processes, and safety protocols is often required, and basic certification in food handling or safety can be beneficial. Strong communication skills, eagerness to learn, and teamwork are important soft skills for working alongside experienced distillers and production staff. These qualifications enable interns to contribute effectively to production tasks, ensure safety and quality, and gain valuable hands-on experience in the distilling environment.

What can I expect in terms of hands-on experience and mentoring during a distillery internship?

As a distillery intern, you can expect robust, hands-on involvement in daily production processes such as mashing, fermentation, distillation, and quality control sampling. Interns typically work closely with seasoned distillers and production teams, receiving guidance and mentorship as they learn about equipment operation, safety standards, and troubleshooting in a real-world setting. The work environment is usually collaborative and fast-paced, offering you the opportunity to develop practical skills, ask questions, and actively contribute to ongoing projects. This immersive experience helps build a strong foundation for future roles within the craft beverage or spirits industry.

Can you get hired from an internship at an internship distillery?

Internship distilleries often use internships as a pathway to full-time employment, especially if interns demonstrate strong skills and work ethic. Successful interns may be offered permanent positions, but hiring depends on the company's needs and the intern's performance during the program.

What is an internship distillery?

An Internship Distillery job provides hands-on experience in the production of spirits, covering areas such as fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling. Interns may assist in quality control, equipment maintenance, and understanding regulatory compliance. This role is ideal for those interested in the craft of distilling and learning the operational aspects of a distillery. Responsibilities can vary based on the size and focus of the distillery, offering both technical and creative learning opportunities.

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

The most popular types of Distillery jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Internship Distillery jobs in Kentucky?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Internship Distillery jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Internship Distillery jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Internship Distillery job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Distillery job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,262 per year, or $15 per hour.

Associate Chemist

IJW Whiskey Company

Louisville, KY • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

IJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is a dynamic, fully integrated spirits company. Founded in 2017, we've compiled the largest independent library of aged Kentucky bourbon and rye and established a global presence including offices in Beverly Hills, Louisville and Tokyo, Japan, a 40-acre campus in Danville. Our ambitious growth trajectory includes a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for completion in early 2026, and a Japanese distillery in Chitose that that will be completed in late 2026.
With over 100 years of combined industry expertise, our diverse team of seasoned professionals and dynamic newcomers has propelled IJW to the forefront of the spirits industry. Our strategic partnership with one of the nation's largest independent Wine & Spirits distributors has enabled us to offer 22 products across four unique private label bourbon brands in 28 states. We have added to our spirits portfolio with our first Tequila and Mezcal brands.
Position Summary
The Associate Chemist supports research and development activities for alcoholic beverage products through analytical testing, sensory evaluation, method execution, and laboratory support. This role is responsible for generating accurate and reliable data to support product development, quality assessment, process optimization, and innovation initiatives. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with R&D, production teams, and quality control while maintaining high standards of laboratory safety, data integrity, and scientific rigor.
Key Responsibilities
Analytical Testing & Laboratory Operations
  • Conduct analyses of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished beverage products.
  • Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation including:
    • High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
    • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
    • Density Meter/Alcohol Analyzer (DMA)
    • Other standard laboratory equipment
  • Prepare samples, reagents, standards, and calibration solutions according to established methods and SOPs.
  • Accurately record, analyze, and report test results.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment through routine cleaning, calibration, verification, and preventive maintenance activities.
  • Assist with method development, verification, validation, and documentation as required.

Sensory Evaluation
  • Organize and conduct sensory testing, including sample preparation, data collection, and reporting.
  • Oversee the training and monitoring of sensory panels for all IJW sites.

Research & Development Support
  • Support product development, formulation, and process improvement projects through sample prep, testing, and data generation.
  • Assist with experimental trials, pilot-scale evaluations, and product benchmarking activities.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for laboratory methods and workflows.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline.
  • 1-3 years of laboratory experience in the beverage, food, fermentation, pharmaceutical, consumer products, or a related industry. Internship, co-op, and undergraduate research experience will be considered.
  • Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC-MS, and DMA, including sample preparation, calibration, testing, and basic method development.
  • Working knowledge of analytical chemistry principles, laboratory techniques, and safe chemical-handling practices.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, as well as chromatography data systems or statistical analysis software.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, time-management, and communication skills, with excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in alcoholic beverages, brewing, distilling, wine, spirits, or fermentation science.
  • Knowledge of sensory evaluation, sensory science, or beverage flavour chemistry.
  • Experience supporting product development or innovation projects.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand for extended periods in a laboratory environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs (14 kg).
  • Ability to safely operate laboratory equipment and handle chemicals in accordance with established safety procedures.