Inspiria Knowledge Campus organised an industrial visit to Mount Distillery in Sikkim for the first year students of the Bsc in hospitality and hotel administration. The visit took place on on 30th January 2024. This opportunity gave them hands-on experience, letting them see how distillation works. In this blog, we’ll take a look at what they learned during the visit, discuss the hospitality management course, explore the career possibilities it opens up and more.
Exploring Sikkim’s Distilling Heritage
Mount Distilleries Limited, based in Rangpo, Sikkim, is a registered company specialising in the supply and trade of beverages. With significant expertise, it has emerged as one of the prominent sellers of listed products in the region.
During their trip, HHA students explored the heart of the region, unravelling a rich history of distillation. This experience helped them to understand the evolution of various spirits and their profound significance in diverse societies. The students also explored the key ingredients essential for the production of alcoholic beverages, ranging from grains for whiskey, gin, and vodka to grapes for wine. The discussions during the tour emphasise the importance of both the quality and origin of these raw materials, adding a captivating layer to their educational journey.
What is Distillation?
Before we delve into the key aspects explored by the students during the tour, let’s first understand what distillation is.
Distillation is a separation process that involves the selective heating of a liquid mixture to create vapour and then cooling that vapour to get a liquid. This process is based on the differences in the boiling points of the components in the mixture. It is commonly used to purify liquids, separate components, or obtain specific products.
In the context of hotel management, distillation is often associated with the production of alcoholic beverages. This involves heating a liquid mixture containing alcohol and other components to create vapour and then condensing the vapour to obtain a more concentrated and purified alcoholic product.
A distillery refers to a facility responsible for the production of alcoholic beverages, especially spirits like whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and brandy. It is an area where the process of distillation takes place.
Key aspects explored by the students on the tour
Throughout the tour, the students gained education in various aspects of the alcohol production process. Guided by industry experts, they acquired hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge in the following key areas:
Historical and Cultural Exploration
Students delved into the historical and cultural aspects of distilling in the region of Sikkim. Understanding the evolution of different spirits and their significance in various societies provided a context for the subsequent exploration.
Ingredients and Raw Materials
The visit highlighted the significance of grains, essential for making whiskey, gin, and vodka. It emphasized the importance of considering the quality and origin of these raw materials in producing alcoholic beverages.
Distillation Process
Students gained insights into the distillation process, learning about different stills like pot stills and column stills. They also understood the crucial role of heat and vaporization in separating alcohol from the fermented liquid.
Fermentation Process
Students learned about the fermentation process, exploring the conversion of sugars into alcohol and the impact of different types of yeast on the final flavour profile of the product.
Quality Control Measures
The importance of maintaining high standards in hygiene, testing, and monitoring for ensuring the consistency and safety of the final product was emphasised.
Ageing and Maturation
Understanding the ageing process for spirits like whiskey, vodka, rum, and brandy, along with discussions on the influence of different barrel types on flavour and colour, enriched the students’ knowledge.
Sensory Analysis
Engaging in sensory analysis sessions allowed students to identify and appreciate various aromas and flavours present in different spirits, enhancing their ability to discern the quality and characteristics of alcoholic beverages.
Regulatory Framework and Ethics
Students gained insights into the regulatory framework governing the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages, emphasising responsible and ethical practices in the industry.
Environmental Considerations
Exploration of the environmental aspects of alcohol production, including water usage, waste management, and energy consumption, contributed to a holistic understanding of the industry’s impact.
Business and Marketing
Insights into the business side of distilleries, encompassing marketing strategies, branding, and the economic impact of the alcohol industry in local and global markets, provided a well-rounded perspective.
Responsibility and Health Education
The visit concluded with an emphasis on responsible drinking, discussing potential health and social consequences associated with alcohol consumption, and promoting awareness and mindfulness.
Beyond Distillation: Understanding the world of Hotel Management
Hotel Management is like being the leader of a team, guiding the way through the many tasks that make a hotel work well. It’s about handling the different parts of a hotel, making sure everything runs smoothly. This includes looking after the daily tasks, managing office work, and ensuring guests have a great experience.
Hospitality is not just about providing a service; it’s like a skill that needs a special set of abilities. From being welcoming at the front desk to keeping the rooms clean, Hotel Management is about making a place where guests feel happy and important. At the same time, it’s a kind of science that involves planning things carefully, talking effectively, and being a smart leader to keep everything in order.
Bachelors in Hospitality and Hotel Administration
The Bachelor in Hospitality and Hotel Administration (BSc HHA) is an undergraduate program that spans over three to four years, focusing on developing essential skills and knowledge for success in the hospitality and hotel industry. This comprehensive course covers a wide range of areas within the service sector, such as hotel management, event planning, and other aspects of the hospitality field. Graduates of this program emerge with a well-rounded skill set, preparing them to excel in different roles within the dynamic and diverse hospitality industry.
Other undergraduate courses in Hotel Management:
| Hotel Management Courses | Type of course | Duration |
| Bachelor in Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT) | UG Degree | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) | UG Degree | 3 years |
| BA in Hotel Management | UG Degree | 3 years |
| BBA in Hospitality, travel & tourism | UG Degree | 3 years |
| Diploma in Hotel Management | UG Diploma | 2-3 years |
Best Hotel management college in Siliguri
Following is a list of some of the best hotel management colleges in Siliguri:
Inspiria Knowledge Campus, Himachal Vihar
Inspiria Knowledge Campus stands as one of the best hotel management colleges in Siliguri, offering BSc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration (HHA) program for a duration of 4 years. Renowned for its commitment to providing industry-specific knowledge, refining communication skills, and nurturing leadership qualities, Inspiria has become a top choice for students aspiring to excel in the dynamic field of hotel management. To be eligible, candidates must have passed 10+2 from any board with English as a primary subject.
Siliguri Institute of Technology, Sukna
Siliguri Institute of Technology, situated in Salbari, Sukna, is a private engineering and management college providing hotel management courses. The institute offers a specialised program, Bachelor in Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT), which is a four-year full-time course. To be eligible, candidates need to have passed their 10+2 examinations from any stream under a recognized board with a minimum of 45% marks.
IIAS School of Management, Dagapur
IIAS School of Management, situated in Dagapur, Siliguri, is a private college focused on hospitality and management, providing an excellent hotel management course. The college offers a specialisation in B.Sc Hospitality and Hotel Administration for a duration of 3 years. To be eligible, candidates should have successfully completed their 10+2 with English from a recognized board.
Career prospects in India
Here are few of the career opportunities in the field of Hotel Management in India:
Hotel Manager
A hotel manager is responsible for the overall operations of a hotel, ensuring smooth functioning and excellent guest experiences. Job roles include overseeing staff, managing budgets, handling customer concerns, and implementing strategies to enhance the hotel’s profitability. Hotel managers need strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills to excel in this role.
Salary Expectation:
The average annual salary for a fresher as a Hotel Manager is around INR 5 to 6 LPA.
Distillery Operator
A distillery operator oversees the production of alcoholic beverages, ensuring the efficiency and quality of the distillation process. Job roles include managing the operation of stills, monitoring fermentation, and maintaining equipment. Distillery operators need a strong understanding of the distillation process, quality control measures, and adherence to safety regulations.
Salary Expectation:
The average annual salary for a fresher as a Distillery Operator is around INR 3.1 LPA.
Event Manager
An event manager plans and executes various events, from conferences to weddings. Job roles involve coordinating logistics, managing budgets, liaising with clients and vendors, and ensuring the event runs smoothly. Event managers need excellent organisational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.
Salary Expectation:
The average annual salary for a fresher as an Event Manager is around INR 3.50 to 3.80 LPA.
Restaurant Manager
A restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant, ensuring a seamless dining experience for guests. Responsibilities include managing staff, handling customer service, monitoring inventory, and implementing marketing strategies. Restaurant managers need strong leadership, communication, and customer service skills to succeed in this role.
Salary Expectation:
The average annual salary for a fresher as an Restaurant Manager is around INR 3 to 6 LPA.
Banquet Manager
A banquet manager is responsible for planning and executing banquet events, such as conferences, weddings, and parties. Job roles involve coordinating with clients, managing banquet staff, and ensuring events meet or exceed client expectations. Banquet managers need excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
Salary Expectation:
The average annual salary for a fresher as an Restaurant Manager is around INR 3.33 LPA.
Conclusion
The Mount Distillery visit in Sikkim successfully achieved its objective of providing a rich and educational experience for the first-year students of Bachelor in Hotel and Hospitality Administration. It provided students with a hands-on understanding of the distillation process, complementing their education in Hotel and Hospitality Administration. The visit not only contributed to academic enrichment but also emphasised responsible practices within the industry. Mr Keshab Mittal Owner of the Distillery and Mr Krishna (Operation Head) guided them throughout the visit. They explored the intricacies of alcohol production, the broader aspects of the hospitality industry and gained valuable insights into the world of Hotel Management.
