Tribeta Sponsors Trip to Local Distillery

On Saturday, November 22, a group of DSU students and faculty proved that the best classroom isn’t always in the Science Center—sometimes, it’s in a local distillery in Brandt, South Dakota. Sponsored by TriBeta, the group boarded vans for a road trip to BlackFork Farms Distillery. The trip offered a refreshing change of pace, giving students a chance to see local science in action.

Upon arrival, the group gathered in the main hall, greeted by a sign displaying the farm’s motto: “Legacy of the Land.” A representative walked the group through the history of the farm, explaining how they grow their own grains on-site—corn, rye, and wheat—to ensure every bottle starts with local ingredients.

Following the introduction, the group split up to explore the facility. The professors and those over 21 stayed behind in the main hall to explore the tasting menu, while the student group headed out to the factory for a behind-the-scenes look at the process.

Stepping onto the production floor, the group found themselves surrounded by clean lines of silver piping and precise layouts. Students huddled near the wall sketches to look at the lifecycle of a spirit, tracking the journey from a combine in the field to the final bottling line. It was a clear breakdown of the farm’s commitment to quality, turning complex chemistry into a step-by-step story of mashing, fermentation, and aging.

The machinery itself had personality, and the students got a kick out of learning that the massive copper stills were named after the founders’ ancestors: Henry P and Poppe J. A few students also spotted a whiteboard tucked in the corner, pointing out a Mark Twain quote that reminded the staff: “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”

After wrapping up the technical tour, the representative led the students to a separate building to see the tasting room. Stepping inside, the vibe shifted instantly from industrial production to high-end comfort. With its wooden beams and warm lighting, the room offered a comfortable atmosphere. It was the perfect spot for the group to relax for a moment, snap a few photos of the aesthetic decor, and simply enjoy the cozy environment after the walking tour.