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Moonshine University, which helped launch nearly 300 distilleries, is shutting down permanently after 14 years.
The program launched at Louisville-based beverage development company Flavorman in 2013 and also provided bourbon education through its Stave & Thief Society, which is also ending unless it transitions to another organization, the company said.
The Stave & Thief Society will continue offering education to bourbon enthusiasts, bar and restaurant owners, distillery tour managers and other hospitality professionals through its Bourbon Steward certifications through the remainder of the year.
Flavorman announced the closures will take place at the end of the year. Moonshine University will continue its scheduled courses and programs through Dec. 31, and registration for those programs is still open.
“This decision follows a careful analysis of Flavorman’s core operations and how the company can most effectively support the distilled spirits industry through product development and consulting services,” the company said in a news release. “It also reflects changes within the industry and Flavorman’s belief that educational resources can have the greatest impact when they are unified under established trade organizations, creating opportunities for broader collaboration and continued industry growth.”
The move comes at the distilling industry continues to contract. In 2025, according to the American Craft Spirits Association, about a fourth of the craft distilleries in the U.S. shut down.
“To our attendees, clients, faculty, partners, and friends: thank you and cheers,” David Dafoe, founder and executive chairman of Flavorman, said in a statement. “It has been an honor to work with you. We are deeply grateful to be part of this incredible community and proud of the support and success we’ve shared. As we conclude this chapter, we look forward to seeing the impact our efforts will continue to have on the industry for years to come.”
Flavorman was founded in 1992 and is an industry-leading custom beverage development company that creates custom-made recipes and flavors for individual clients. Those clients range from start-up entrepreneurs to major international spirits companies.
Flavorman has a 77,000 square foot headquarters in Louisville that is one of the largest beverage development facilities in the U.S.
The company has helped to develop everything from ready-to-drink cocktails, flavored waters, flavored spirits, hard seltzers, energy drinks, sports drinks, and sodas and more. Clients include Country Boy Brewing, Mom Water, Beatbox Beverages, Jones Soda Co., O2, OceanSpray, Sugarlands Distilling Co., Sunsweet and more.
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