Instructor: Rick Molitor

Biography: After receiving his doctorate in educational leadership and serving 26 years in public education, Rick Molitor decided to resign as a school district superintendent and focus on making great Oregon whiskey. From his years of experience running every aspect of a true farm-to-bottle distillery, Rick likes to share his knowledge and passion of whiskey with others.

Classes by this instructor

Handcraft Your Own Whiskey

Join professional whiskey distiller Rick Molitor at New Basin Distilling Company in Madras, Oregon to learn about the making of whiskey. This class will explore different types of grain, the milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, and aging of whiskey. This is a hands-on class where participants will be helping with each step of the process and learn how to legally distill whiskey. Class includes lunch and the tasting of various types of whiskey. Participants will also leave with a whiskey tasting glass, distilling and tasting guidebook, 1-liter oak barrel, and 2 - 750ml of unaged whiskey to age and enjoy at home. Participants must be 21 years of age or older and show ID.
Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 12:00pm-4:00pm PST | Madras

Tequila vs. Mezcal: A Breakdown

All tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequila! Join professional distiller, Rick Molitor, from New Basin Distilling Company located in Madras, OR and learn all about tequila and mezcal. While we sample different varieties, you will explore the history, distilling process, and unique characteristics of the different sprits made from agave. Cost includes a tasting kit that will provide you samples, a tasting guide, and a tasting glass for blind nosing and tasting to determine your favorite. Kits will be available to pick up at a COCC campus near you, the week before the class runs. Students can pay an additional $25 to have kits shipped to their home, within the state of Oregon. No kits will be provided outside the state of Oregon. Participating students must be 21 years of age or older.
Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 4:00pm-6:00pm PST | Online

Whiskey Appreciation: Bourbon

Join professional whiskey distiller Rick Molitor from New Basin Distilling Company to learn everything you need to know about bourbon. Rick will discuss the process of making bourbon and lead you through the exploration of flavor notes and the best strategies for enjoying bourbon. Participate in a blind taste test with a variety of bourbons to gain a deeper understanding of your favorite bourbon profile. Class cost includes a tasting kit that consists of a course/tasting guide, six-2 ounce bourbon samples, tasting cups, and a Glencairn Whiskey glass for future enjoyment. Kits will be available to pick up at a COCC campus near you the week before the class runs. Students can pay an additional $25 to have kits shipped to their home, within the state of Oregon. No kits will be provided outside the state of Oregon. Participating students must be 21 years of age or older.
Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 4:00pm-6:00pm PDT | Online

Whiskey Appreciation: Scotch

Join professional whiskey distiller Rick Molitor from New Basin Distilling Company to learn everything you need to know about Scotch. Rick will discuss the process of making Scotch and lead you through the exploration of flavor notes and the best strategies for enjoying Scotch. Participate in a blind taste test with a variety of Scotch whiskeys to gain a deeper understanding of your favorite flavor profile. Class cost includes a tasting kit that consists of a course/tasting guide, six-2 ounce Scotch samples, tasting cups, and a Glencairn Whiskey glass for future enjoyment. Kits will be available to pick up at a COCC campus near you, the week before the class runs. Students can pay an additional $25 to have kits shipped to their home, within the state of Oregon. No kits will be provided outside the state of Oregon. Participating students must be 21 years of age or older.
Sunday, November 30, 2025 | 4:00pm-6:00pm PST | Online