The Program

The Kentucky Master Bartending Program was created to meet the demand for professionally trained bartenders.  We provide students with knowledge and practice of bartending, including mixology, speed, accuracy, organizational and customer services skills.

This 4-week program is designed to give students “hands on” training in mastering the art of mixing drinks quickly and properly, so that upon graduation the student will possess the confidence and ability to step behind any bar and mix drinks without hesitation.

The key to mastering this art is practice, and students should expect to spend much of the time in the program practicing their mastery of bartending skills.  During the last 30 minutes of each class, students will complete a pouring test to ensure course objectives are being met.  Students will receive a recipe handout for drinks they learn during each class and will also receive a copy of the book, Bartending Basics. 

Special guests will be present throughout the course (bartenders, reps) to maximize the learning experience. 

In an effort to provide hands-on experience for each student, graduates of the bartending program may be permitted to work supervised in an “on the job” role at a scheduled event where alcohol will be served at The Center.  In addition, The Center will connect graduates with area businesses who have indicated that they may have employment opportunities for graduates, or competitions in which program graduates will be able to participate in and hone their skills.

Courses for each month’s cohort group will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-9pm for 4 weeks.  If a student misses a class, they may “make up” the class during the next cohort group with permission from the instructor.  Students will not graduate from the program until all classes have been taken.

The third class for the next Kentucky Master Bartending Program cohort group will begin on Tuesday, February 4^th.

State of Kentucky S.T.A.R.S. Certification

In addition to participating in the Kentucky Master Bartending program, The Center for Rural Development recommends that you register for and complete the Kentucky Server Training in Alcohol Regulations (S.T.A.R.) certification program.  The Center for Rural Development is partnering with the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a host site for the delivery of the S.T.A.R. certification course.  Pre-registration and payment of a $35 fee to the Commonwealth of Kentucky is necessary to enroll in the S.T.A.R. certification course.  Registration information about S.T.A.R. certification can be obtained by visiting http://abc.ky.gov/Pages/star.aspx.  Participants in the Kentucky Master Bartending Program will receive information about the S.T.A.R. certification course and registration assistance from The Center staff on the first day of class.

  The Instructor:

The bartending instructor for the KY Master Bartending Program is Shane Miller.

Shane has been a bartender for over 14 years, in 3 different states, and at over 12 different establishments. He currently owns and operates a bartending company and holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky State University.

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