Master Distiller: Shawn Rigsby

I’m Shawn Rigsby—Master Distiller, Moonshiners: Master Distiller champion (Season 2, Episode 9), and a proud product of doing things the hard way. I didn’t learn this craft from textbooks—I learned it from trial, error, busted knuckles, and late nights around copper and fire. With nearly 13+ years in the game, I’ve built my name on straight talk, solid shine, and passing on real knowledge—not watered-down fluff. The Still Talk’n Institute ain’t just a course—it’s a rebellion against gatekeeping, and I’m here to make sure the right folks get the right tools to build something real.

About the course

 Whether you’re brand new to distilling or sick of piecing together half-truths online, this is your no-BS guide to learning the craft the right way. Taught by Moonshiners: Master Distiller winner Shawn Rigsby, you’ll master every step — from choosing ingredients to fermentation, distillation, and proofing. We show you the “how” and the “why,” so you can make smart cuts, use enzymes right, avoid rookie mistakes, and get repeatable, high-quality results. No fluff, no filler — just real-world distilling backed by years of hands-on experience.

Curriculum

10 Chapters · 35 Lessons

  1. 1

    Module 1: Introduction

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome to the Still Talk’n Institute of Distilling!

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      What is this course about?

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Meet Your Instructor: Master Distiller Shawn Rigsby

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      The History of Distillation

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Module quiz

  2. 2

    Module 2: Safety and Legal Basics

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Distilling Safety

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Safety Quiz

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Legal Basics of Distilling — Know the Law Before You Light the Fire

  3. 3

    Module 3: Equipment Essentials

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Stills and Parts

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials for Moonshine Stills

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Built Vs Bought

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Reputable Moonshine Still Building Companies

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Module Quiz

  4. 4

    Module 4: Mash Science & Fermentation Fundamentals

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Core mash ingredients

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Sugar sources

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Water Quality

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Enzymes

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Natural Enzyme Sources

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      How to use enzymes effectively

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Grain Bills & Enzyme Pairings

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Module Quiz

  5. 5

    Module 5: Grain to Glass – Craft Distilling from Scratch

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1: What “Grain to Glass” Really Means

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2: Sourcing and Selecting Grains

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3: Milling – Getting the Grind Right

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Module Quiz

  6. 6

    Module 6: Fermentation Fundamentals

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1: What Is Fermentation (and Why It Matters)

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 2: Choosing the Right Yeast

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 3: Preparing for Fermentation

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Module Quiz

  7. 7

    Module 7: Checking and Filtering Finished Mash

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Checking and filtering mash

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The Secondary Settle for Brandy

  8. 8

    Module 8: Running the still

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Running the still

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Module Quiz

  9. 9

    Module 9: Proofing

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Dialing It In – How to Proof Like a Pro

  10. 10

    Module 10: Charts and Cheat Sheets

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Charts and Sheets

What Folks Are Sayin’ 

Real words from real people who’ve seen the work, tasted the shine, and know the knowledge is the real deal.

”
If you wanna know how to adjust your PH for a mash.. Shawn will steer you in the right direction every time!
Anthony S.

Ohio

”
After several days of completing this course, I was surprised to find that there was still more to learn. I've been in the craft for 15 years, starting with a 5-gallon copper pot and worm, then upgrading to a hybrid S.S. and copper column. Thought that was enough - WRONG -. Take the course and continue to learn from those who are further along the road. ADVISE: Whatever you think you know, put that aside and start fresh. Well worth your time.
Phil S.

Dayton,  Ohio

”
Being new to distilling ive had lots of questions about my mash and the fermentation process and I can always count on Shawn to give me very easy to understand explanations and answers that have helped me tremendously.
Jason Kendall

Ohio

Experience distilling knowledge firsthand. Skip the fluff, embrace pure knowledge. Enroll now at the Still Talk'n Institute.

Build your Legacy with Still Talk'n Institute of Distilling 

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