Our Team
Kothe Distilling Technologies Inc. is led by a Chicago-based team of industry experts dedicated to providing education, consulting, and technical support for North American distillers.
Dr. Robert Birnecker
Founder & CEO
Robert is one of North America’s top distilling experts and consultants. An Austrian native, Robert grew up helping his grandparents at their award-winning distillery and winery. He later received a certificate from Austria’s leading university program for distilling technology, Höhere Bundeslehranstalt und Bundesamt für Wein- und Obstbau Klosterneuburg. He honed his skills working with Europe’s foremost spirits expert, Dr. Klaus Hagmann, developing fermentation techniques for craft distilleries. Robert is a key lecturer at Siebel Institute's distilling courses and teaches over 150 prospective distillers a year in his own workshops.
Founder & CEO
Robert is one of North America’s top distilling experts and consultants. An Austrian native, Robert grew up helping his grandparents at their award-winning distillery and winery. He later received a certificate from Austria’s leading university program for distilling technology, Höhere Bundeslehranstalt und Bundesamt für Wein- und Obstbau Klosterneuburg. He honed his skills working with Europe’s foremost spirits expert, Dr. Klaus Hagmann, developing fermentation techniques for craft distilleries. Robert is a key lecturer at Siebel Institute's distilling courses and teaches over 150 prospective distillers a year in his own workshops.
Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart
President
Sonat holds a PhD from the University of London and a postdoc from the University of Oxford. She manages all business operations, distribution, and marketing strategy for Kothe Distilling Technologies Inc., ensuring a seamless experience for our clients.
President
Sonat holds a PhD from the University of London and a postdoc from the University of Oxford. She manages all business operations, distribution, and marketing strategy for Kothe Distilling Technologies Inc., ensuring a seamless experience for our clients.
Mark DeSimone
Distilling Operations Specialist
Mark serves as our specialist in distilling operations, assisting customers with equipment selection and project planning. As an experienced distiller, he possesses deep knowledge of how distilleries should be set up for process optimization and workflow efficiency.
Distilling Operations Specialist
Mark serves as our specialist in distilling operations, assisting customers with equipment selection and project planning. As an experienced distiller, he possesses deep knowledge of how distilleries should be set up for process optimization and workflow efficiency.