At Top Shelf Distillers, we believe the best way to learn is to get your hands dirty (sometimes literally, when you’re hauling pears). That’s why we created the Top Shelf Bootcamp Program— a four-month co-op designed to give STEM students an immersive, hands-on look at the craft distilling industry.

This summer, we welcomed Ryanne Butler, a third-year Chemical Engineering student at the University of Ottawa, into the program. Over the course of her placement, Ryanne touched every corner of the distillery — from bottling lines and logistics to administration and sales. But her biggest achievement was leading a project of her own: creating a brand-new spirit from scratch.

Fermenting an Idea into Reality

Ryanne’s project began with fresh Williams pears, which she pressed into juice and fermented with yeast. Once the juice transformed into pear wine, she transferred it to the still, where careful distillation turned it into a crystal-clear spirit.

The final step was proofing it down to 40% ABV, yielding a delicate, aromatic Williams Pear Eau de Vie — a classic European-style fruit brandy. For most students, projects end on paper. For Ryanne, her work ended in a bottle.

Surprises Along the Way

Working in a distillery brings its fair share of surprises. For Ryanne, one of the biggest was discovering the patience required for whisky making.

“Before I came here, I didn’t realize whisky takes a minimum of three years in a barrel,” she shared. “I’m already planning to come back in 2028 to taste the whisky I helped make this summer.”

Beyond fermentation science and distillation, Ryanne also picked up unexpected practical skills. She earned her forklift certification, proving that the Bootcamp isn’t just about chemistry and spirits — it’s about becoming adaptable, versatile, and ready for anything.

Advice for Future Bootcamp Students

When asked what she’d tell other students considering the Bootcamp, Ryanne’s answer was simple:

“Be open. There are so many opportunities to grow here. You’ll be hands-on every single day.”

That mindset carried her through long production days, creative problem-solving, and the rewarding process of seeing a product through from start to finish.

From Co-op to Career

Experiences like Ryanne’s are exactly why the Bootcamp exists. For students, it’s a chance to apply STEM skills to real-world projects, to test ideas outside the classroom, and to gain confidence in an industry that blends science, craft, and creativity. For us at Top Shelf, it’s a way to support the next generation of innovators while bringing fresh perspectives into the distillery.

Ryanne’s Williams Pear Eau de Vie will always stand as a reminder of what can be accomplished in just four months — with a little curiosity, a lot of hard work, and a few bushels of pears.

Congratulations, Ryanne!

We’re proud of everything Ryanne accomplished this summer, and we can’t wait to see where her career in chemical engineering takes her next. And yes — in three years, we’ll save her a glass of that whisky.

Interested in learning more about the Top Shelf Bootcamp? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook or check our website for future opportunities to apply.