Before my internship at Trippy Goat Distillery, I underestimated what goes into producing a single bottle of vodka. The operations of a small batch distillery require not only expert distilling but also creativity, a business mindset, and community. Trippy Goat is located in Beallsville, Maryland, and it specializes in crafting vodka and whiskey. While working under Master Distiller Blake Belluschi, I was able to gain experience and skills in production management and supply chain logistics. The distillery offers a range of products, including 1.75-liter, 1-liter, and 750 mL bottles of vodka, as well as 750 mL bottles of Old Joe Whiskey.
My work ranged from paperwork, where I was applying to sell our product in other states. Sales calls to nearby retailers were another part of my work that I enjoyed. Calling all local county stores selling our vodka and whiskey. I also delivered cases of vodka and whiskey that were ordered to stores. At times, I would talk to store managers and create a schedule with them of when they needed the product dropped off. I blended vodka in big blending tanks and filled bottles on the bottling line. I learned to troubleshoot with the complicated equipment, especially when the bottling line malfunctioned and vodka started spraying everywhere.
This internship helped me improve my customer service and communication skills. Calling stores almost every day contributed to this. I gained a lot of skills in distilling and feel very comfortable in a distillery setting. I gained a lot of knowledge on compliance requirements in the alcohol industry, which can be very complicated. I also gained a lot of time management skills and teamwork by working closely with my co-workers and supervisor.
Before this internship, I knew nothing about the alcohol industry. After learning about it, I could see myself having a future in the industry. Watching the team take pride in a product they built from scratch inspired me to think about launching something of my own someday. I would like to create my own product one day in the future.
My internship at Trippy Goat gave me hands-on skills in the alcohol industry. I really appreciated the culture and the chance to help build the brand Trippy Goat. The experience also gave me new interests that I didn't know I had and opened up future opportunities. What I learned will stay with me and guide my career.
