Successfully completed: VLB's First Training Course for Korean Distillers

Prof. Chul Cheong had already requested a training course for South Korean distillers at IfGB / the VLB Berlin in 2019. The preparations had started – then Corona came. At the end of 2022, IfGB coordinator Wiebke Künnemann, VLB, and Prof. Cheong resumed contact and finalized the planning. On January 30, 2023, the time had come: Prof. Cheong arrived at the VLB campus with 35 distillers, brewers and beverage producers. The two-day training course “Distillation – a brief overview“ was the prelude to an excursion to breweries and distilleries in the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria.

Monday morning, VLB Managing Director Dr. Josef Fontaine, course instructor Dr. Nils Rettberg, lecturers and IfGB coordinator welcomed the Korean guests. Despite the language barrier, there were no fears of contact. Participants and VLB staff communicated with gestures in the daily course routine. The visitors took selfies with VLBers. There were endless smiles and laughter. This open, interested and cheerful mood characterized the entire course. VLB alumni and Prof. Karl Wackerbauer student Prof. Chul Cheong translated all lectures consecutively into Korean. Some lecturers received a great deal of detailed questioning and nimble back-andforth interpreted discussions ensued. The group consisted mostly of distillers. In addition, there were brewers looking to purchase distilling equipment and representatives from beverage companies interested in export opportunities for their products to Europe.

In the subject of distillery technology, the course participants were particularly interested in the difference between vacuum distillation and distillation at atmospheric pressure, as well as the different areas of application. This topic was later explored in greater depth at the ”Preussische Spirituosen Manufaktur”. The vacuum distillation plant there is mainly used for gin production. There were further questions about special yeasts as well as distillate storage in barrels and barrel alternatives such as wood chips. VLB experts lectured on all topics related to distilling and spirits pro - duction. Dr. Alfons Ahrens, head of VLB's Department for Water Quality, Management and Technology, explained different methods of water treatment. Sophie Lange, staff member of VLB's Department Bioprocess Engineering and Applied Microbiology spoke about yeasts, bacteria and molds in the distillery and presented methods for detecting microbiological contamination even in finished products such as spirits and liqueurs. The lecture on operational and quality control was given by Christian Schubert, head of distilled spirits analytics and team leader of special analytics at the VLB Research Institute for Raw Materials and Beverage Analytics. A special highlight of this subject was that the lecturer presented analytical results, from soju samples that the Korean distillers had brought with them. In addition, Christian Schubert presented the different work areas of the VLB and guided the group through the modern laboratories, including those for special analysis.

For the subject block distillery technology, filtration and distillate storage, the IfGB had again been able to win the head of the Weyermann ® Distillery Philipp Schwarz. This was followed on Monday evening by a visit to the Preussische Spirituosen Manufaktur. Anne Thieltges from the new manufactory owners of the Michelberger Group and Production Manager Stefan Kaufhold gave the guests a very warm welcome. Afterwards, Stefan Kaufhold explained the different processes for producing these products – maceration and distillation – during a small tasting of gin and herbal liqueur.

To conclude the first day of training, Christian Schubert and Wiebke Künnemann took the course participants to Brauhaus Spandau, a traditional Berlin pub brewery. Over a wide variety of beers and knuckle of pork, it became apparent how diverse the group was. In the small circle, some of the participants contributed their knowledge of English or German, so that communication was possible even without translation. The second day of the training was then dedicated to teaching again, before the certificates of participation were presented during the farewell party. VLB Managing Director Dr. Josef Fontaine thanked

Prof. Chul Cheong and his group for great discipline, curiosity and diligence of the course participants. ”It has been a pleasure to work with you. We are ready for further joint projects – gladly also in South Korea,” Dr. Fontaine emphasized.

IfGB

Under the label ”IfGB” (Institut für Gärungsgewerbe und Biotechnologie – Institute for Fermentation und Biotechnology), VLB Berlin has been offering distiller courses and the annual distilled spirits conference ”IfGB-Forum Spirituosen und Brennerei” since 2003. Up to now, the events have traditionally been held in German. In the courses it is already common that discussions are held in English. At the conferences, too, there are from time to time presentations in English. In the medium term, English-language events are planned in both segments.

VLB Berlin also offers distilled spirits analysis and sensory evaluation at the Research Institute for Raw Materials and Beverage Analysis (FIRGA), which also supports product developments in this segment. In addition, there is malt analysis for whisky distillers.

VLB's Research Institute for Biotechnology and Water (FIBW) offers analysis and advice on microbiology as well as water treatment. VLB's Testing Laboratory for Packaging checks stability and quality of glass bottles and the quality of labels and cardboard boxes etc. as well as for the distilled spirits industry.

Wiebke Künnemann