We’re thrilled to be travelling to New York this September to teach the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky.

Founder & Managing Director

Kirsty McKerrow

“Open to all, our first in-person stateside course will host up to 25 candidates at the Kings County Distillery in Brooklyn. North America is a key market for us. Over the past year, more than 1,000 candidates have accessed our courses from the region, with the vast majority studying online. To be able to travel and teach our flagship course in-person really complements our hugely accessible online offer and further strengthens our position as the go-to Scotch whisky educator. With the travel and hospitality industries finally opening again at scale, it seemed like the perfect time to take EWA across the Atlantic where we’ll hopefully meet with candidates – past, present and future – to share a dram and talk all things Scotch whisky.”

Whether you’re here to study whisky for the fun of it, are looking to upskill or kickstart a career change, join us for this intensive and industry relevant – but above all enjoyable – journey into the heart of Scotch.

Written and delivered by industry experts, the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky presents their knowledge, insight, experience and judgement in a fun and accessible format. However you choose to study, you can be sure to receive the highest quality teaching that will prepare you for success in the final two-hour invigilated exam.

Overview

  • Group Study

    Learn as a likeminded group. Day one includes a private tour of the distillery, while day two includes a tasting of world whiskies.

  • Food & Drink

    The course is non-residential. Breakfast, a two-course lunch and snacks are provided (all dietary requirements considered).

  • Assessment

    Seven modules are assessed in the afternoon of the second day. (The first two modules are delivered online upon purchase for self-study).

Module 1: The History of Whisky & Distillation

Covers the origins of distillation, key historical and political events, plus commercial and technical developments within the industry.

Module 2: The Business of Whisky

Covers the legal requirements and definitions of Scotch, ingredients and processes used in different categories, legal boundaries and current developments. Plus financial considerations, global markets and future prospects.

Module 3: Raw Materials

Covers all raw materials used; water requirements, barley characteristics and yeast. Also, the processes involved in milling, mashing and wort recovery. Plus, the role of peat.

Module 4: Batch Distillation

Covers the structure and operational processes of stills, importance of copper, mashing technology, fermentation, different phases of distillation, development of esters and fatty acids, reflux, spirit safe. Plus factors that ensure product quality.

Module 5: Maturation

Covers different types of oak, structure of wood, cask construction, heat treatments and seasoning. Warehousing systems, chemical reactions, variables and the importance of climate.

Module 6: Sensory

Covers common terms used in sensory analysis, how to conduct whisky tastings, compare and contrast spirits, the compounds responsible for key flavours. Plus, how smell, sight, taste and touch can influence the sensory experience.

Module 7: World Whiskies

Covers the definitions, raw materials and rules of production for various world whiskies and the impact diverse climates have on maturation.

 Assessment

A two-hour, invigilated closed book exam. All questions are multiple choice. To achieve the Diploma, you must score at least 60% in each of the seven modules. A resit will be required for any module in which you do not score 60% or more.


Will this suit me?

The diploma is a non-residential course taught over two days at Kings County Distillery, Brooklyn.

  • You’re a brand ambassador or whisky professional, looking to expand or update your knowledge.

  • You’re a hospitality professional, spirits retailer or distillery guide looking for a comprehensive understanding.

  • You’re a whisky enthusiast or blogger, wanting to learn everything from the ground up.

  • You’re keen to enter the industry and would like to build your CV.