Rum should be the easiest market to break into because there are not a lot of good rums available in the US for some unknown reason. (Let the rum drinkers correct me if I'm wrong). I suspect the same opportunities exist in the brandy market, can't say for sure because I don't drink it. The beer and whiskey markets would be the real challenge, but any success in them would be well worth it. Good whiskey is like gold. Interesting. I don't know what degree they usually require, seems that bio or chem should work. Distillation is certainly a scientific process, (from a liquor perspective) but I think making a fine spirit is more of an art form overall. Don't know exactly how it works but as a master distiller I would want to manage the process and hire a technician for the sole purpose of checking my product for methanol and other substances that I'm trying to get rid of. That may be a cool job for your son if such a position was available at local distilleries.
I think he put the idea aside mainly because he just burned out on the whole bio thing. And next year, he faces the loan payback for it all. Ugh. Have you tried any home brewing?
Not yet, but I may start making a few ales eventually. Its the easiest thing to make and I already know a few people that make them from time to time. Would have to give most of it away since I don't drink a lot of beer.
