Education Partners

DISCUS is proud to partner with the following organizations to provide world-class educational opportunities to our members. Please click on each logo below to learn more about the education partner and their course offerings.

DISCUS is pleased to be partnering with WSET as an approved program provider of the WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Award in Spirits course.  For our cancellation policy and other DISCUS policies related to WSET, please click here.

LEVEL 1 AWARD IN SPIRITS

OVERVIEW

Number of weeks: 4

Number of modules: 5

Hard Copy Study Materials Needed?: No

Total Qualification Time: 6 hours. This is made up of 6 Guided Learning Hours, which includes self-study, all course modules, and a 45-minute exam.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Module 1: What are spirits and how are they made?

List and state the purpose of the four key stages used in spirits production.
Identify the two types of still, state how they are used and what styles of spirit they can produce.
Identify the production processes that affect the aroma, sweetness and colour of a spirit.

Module 2: Cognac, vodka and an introduction to tasting

Name the types of Cognac and the defining aromas of Cognac and vodka.
Name the raw material used to make Cognac and vodka.
Identify key production processes that influence the characteristics of Cognac and vodka.
State the meaning of key Cognac labelling terms.

Module 3: Whisk(e)y

Name the principal categories and types of whisk(e)y and their defining aromas.
Name the raw material used to make whisk(e)y.
Identify key production processes that influence the characteristics of the principal categories and types of whisk(e)y.
State the meaning of key labelling terms used for the principal categories and types of whisk(e)y.

Module 4: Rum and Tequila

Name the principal types of rum and the principal categories and types of Tequila and their defining aromas.
Name the raw material used to make rum and Tequila .
Identify key production processes that influence the characteristics of the principal types of rum and the principal categories and types of Tequila.
State the meaning of key labelling terms used for the principal categories and types of Tequila.

Module 5: Flavoured spirits and aromatised wines

Name the principal categories and types of flavoured spirits and aromatised wines and state their defining aromas.
Identify key production processes that influence the characteristics of the principal categories and types of flavoured spirits and aromatised wines.
State the meaning of key labelling terms used for the principal categories and types of flavoured spirits and aromatised wines.

Module 6: Mixing with spirits

State the two sets of scales used to create a balanced cocktail.
Name four core cocktail families and some examples from each family.

Module 7: Revision and resources

Mock multiple-choice feedback examination which can be attempted as many times as the student likes.

This foundational course is ideal for anyone who wishes to obtain a sound introduction to spirits. No previous spirits knowledge is required – ideal for those starting a career in the industry or pursuing a general interest in spirits. This qualification offers a hands-on introduction to the world of spirits. You’ll explore the main styles and types of spirits through sight, smell, and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavors and aromas. The four-week, self-paced, online course culminates with an exam. Upon successful completion, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. Please note that all course materials are provided as part of the course fee, but spirits samples are to be provided by student.

LEVEL 2 AWARD IN SPIRITS

OVERVIEW

Number of weeks: 5

Number of modules: 6

Hard Copy Study Materials Needed?: Yes

Total Qualification Time: 26 hours. This is made up of 15 Guided Learning Hours (of which 1 hour is for the examination), and 11 hours of private study.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Module 1: Introducing spirits

Learn to taste and describe spirits using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting®
Discover how spirits are made and the influence of production methods on the style of spirit produced.

Module 2: Fruit spirits and Whisky/Whiskey

Learn about the raw materials and production processes used to produce the principal types of fruit spirits and whiskies.
Learn about the key characteristics and labelling terms used for these styles of spirits.

Module 3: Sugar cane spirits and Tequila and Mezcal

Learn about the raw materials and production processes used to produce the principal types of rum, cachaça, tequila and mezcal.
Learn about the key characteristics and labelling terms used for these styles of spirits.

Module 4: Vodka, flavoured spirits and aromatised wines

Learn about the raw materials and production processes used to produce the principal types of vodka, flavoured spirits, and aromatised wines.
Learn about the key labelling terms used for these styles of spirits.

Module 5: Mixing with spirits

Learn about the key ingredients and the factors to be considered when making a balanced cocktail.
Learn about the key cocktail families and know notable examples from each.

Module 6: Revision and resources

Mock multiple-choice feedback examination which can be attempted as many times as the student likes.

For individuals wishing to develop their expertise in spirits and liqueurs, the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits course will cover the fundamental production methods and principal raw materials discovering how they are used to make the key spirit styles. You’ll also explore the key practices and principles of serving spirits and the use of spirits in cocktails. The six-week, self-paced, online course culminates with an exam. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo. Please note that all course materials are provided as part of the course fee, but spirits samples are to be provided by student.

Current WSET Course Offerings, Details, and Registration

For information about available course dates and to register, please click the registration button below!

Click Here to Register!

DISCUS is pleased to be partnering with the Edinburgh Whisky Academy as an approved course provider of their Certificates in Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey, and Gin. The EWA is the only whisky academy accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. Their Certificate courses are all aimed at introductory – intermediate level and suitable for those who work in the consumer facing side of the industry including retail, visitor centres, marketing and sales as well as enthusiasts. These courses are all available on demand with no specific start or end date, so they can easily fit into your schedule!

Each course has a complimentary downloadable digital Certificate of Completion, hard copies of the Certificate along with the recognized EWA pin badge can be purchased once the candidate has completed the course.

For our cancellation policy and other DISCUS policies related to Education Partners, please click here.

CERTIFICATE IN SCOTCH WHISKY

OVERVIEW

Number of weeks: Self-paced

Number of modules: 8

Hard Copy Study Materials Needed?: No

Total Qualification Time: 8 – 10 hours of self-paced online study and a 1-hour exam.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Module 1: Historical development & distillation of whisky

Overview
Origins of distillation
The end of illicit stills
Whisky market developments
Rise of “The Big Three”
Phylloxera, Pattison & “What is Whisky”
First World War & Prohibition
Key dates in the history of Scotch whisky
World War II & aftermath
Growth in single malt market
Recent developments
Key dates in the history of Scotch

Module 2: The business of whisky

Overview
The Scotch Whisky Regulations (2009)
The five categories of Scotch whisky
The recognised Scotch whisky regions
Guidance relating to labelling of Scotch whisky
Impact of whisky ageing on cash flow
Pricing a bottle of Scotch whisky
Scotch whisky exports
Issues & problems facing the Scotch whisky industry
COVID-19 & Scotch
A growing industry

Module 3: Raw materials

Overview
Malted barley
Water
Yeast
Peat
Malt or grain?

Module 4: Production process

Overview
Steps 1 to 3: Barley treatment, handling & analysis
Step 4: Steeping
Step 5: Germination
Step 6: Kilning
Steps 7 to 8: Storage, analysis & despatch
Step 9: Milling
Step 10: Mashing
Steps 11 to 12: Fermentation & wash

Module 5: Batch distillation

Overview
The Still Room
Pot stills
Reflux
Wash & spirit stills
Condensing systems
The Spirit Safe
Cut points & spirit quality

Module 6: Maturation

Overview
Introduction to oak
Cask types, treatments & rejuvenation
Flavour compounds & chemical reactions
Four ways the cask can influence the flavour of whisky
Warehousing systems
The Angels’ Share
Climate & maturation

The Certificate in Scotch Whisky consists of eight engaging modules which will give the candidate an independent, in-depth overview of Scotch Whisky as a category. The course was written and developed by Scotch whisky experts with decades of experience in the industry. The candidate will explore the fascinating history and business of Scotch as well as the laws governing Scotch whisky, before delving into the intricacies of the entire production process – learning all there is to know from raw materials and fermentation to distilling and bottling the final spirit.

CERTIFICATE IN IRISH WHISKEY

OVERVIEW

Number of weeks: Self-paced

Number of modules: 7

Hard Copy Study Materials Needed?: No

Total Qualification Time: 8 – 10 hours of self-paced online study and a 1-hour exam.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Module 1: Irish Whiskey History

Overview
Origins: the history of distillation & medieval Ireland
Irish whiskey before its industry (1556 – 1760)
Poitín vs. Parliament (1760 – 1823)
The emerging taste of “old Irish pot still”
Aeneas Coffey (1780-1852) and his legacy
A new class altogether (1823-1863)
Precarious heights (1860-1886)
Ross v. Roe, or a tale of two titans (1878-1930)
After the fall (1930-2012)

Module 2: The Business of Irish Whiskey

Overview
What is Irish whiskey?
The Irish Whiskey Act 1980
The Irish Whiskey Technical File 2014
Who is who in Irish whiskey?
Global threats to the Irish whiskey industry
Current and future whiskey distilleries of Ireland
The future prospects for Irish Whiskey

Module 3: Production Process

Overview
Raise a glass to the farmers
Grains
Malting
Milling
Mashing
Fermentation

Module 4: Pot Still Spirit Production

Overview
The rise, fall and rise again of pot still whiskey
Milling & mashing
Fermentation
Distillation
Malt spirit production in Ireland
Grain spirit production in Ireland

Module 5: Maturation

Overview
Maturation in Ireland
Activity: Regulations in the Irish Whiskey Technical File
Regulations for maturation in Ireland
Non-oak maturation
Warehousing

Module 6: Blended Irish Whiskey

Overview
What is blended Irish whiskey?

The Certificate in Irish Whiskey comprises eight modules of engaging content which will give the candidate an enhanced in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the different styles of Irish whiskey. The course was written and developed by Irish whiskey experts Fionnán O’Connor and Matt Healy. The candidate will explore the history and business of Irish whiskey, before learning the whole production and maturation processes; including the different equipment used dependent on the different mash bills adopted. The candidate will also learn about laws governing Irish whiskey and how to run a sensory analysis of Irish whiskey.

CERTIFICATE IN GIN

OVERVIEW

Number of weeks: Self-paced

Number of modules: 7

Hard Copy Study Materials Needed?: No

Total Qualification Time: 6 – 8 hours of online study and a 1-hour exam.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Module 1: The History of Gin

Overview
Gin across time and borders
Spirits meet juniper
Genever, gin’s precursor
How did genever evolve into gin?
The years of gin madness
The gin of the “Gin Craze”
Greater control & never-ending demand
Concentrated ownership & production
Old Tom Gin
The London Dry style
Dry gin rules
Gin’s glory days
From a ban on grain to gin’s new ‘golden age’

Module 2: Gin now

Overview
Gin reinvented
UK & exports
Global snapshot
Gin-novation
The future of gin

Module 3: Definitions & Styles of Gin

Overview
What is gin?
London gin
Distilled gin
Standard gin
Plymouth Gin
Genever, or Hollands, Gin
Other types of gin

Module 4: Distillation

Overview
Grain neutral spirit
Cold distillation
Batch distillation
Returning to a liquid
Water reduction
Factors affecting reduction
Maceration / steeping

Module 5: Botanicals

Overview

Module 6: Gin tasting

Overview
Why have a gin tasting session?
Download your gin flavour wheel
Senses used in gin appreciation
Sensory tests

The Certificate in Gin consists of six modules of engaging material which will give the candidate a solid overview of the gin industry. The course was developed by leading experts in the category and offers a hands-on introduction to the world of gin. The candidate will delve into the rich history of gin and will learn about the key differences between the various styles of gin on the market. The candidate will then learn the intricacies of the production process, as well as the importance of botanicals. Modules on gin tasting and gin cocktails will ensure the candidate is armed with the practical knowledge needed to fully appreciate gin and even run their own tastings.

Current EWA Course Offerings, Details, and Registration

For information about available courses and to register, please click the registration button below!

Click Here to Register!

The Council of Whiskey Masters offers a robust curriculum centered around Scotch, Bourbon, and other Global Whiskeys. These courses are best suited to people who would like to work at their own pace. For more information about their course offerings, please visit their website here.

Level 1: Certified Scotch Professional

Earning the Certified Scotch Professional™ designation grants the life-long privilege to carry the title and use its postnominals, “CSP”. Upon passing the exam, candidates receive our printed diploma and lapel pin, both in digital as well as physical versions. This course covers the history of distillation, malt whisky history of Scotland, modern Scotch production methods, Scotch appreciation methods, and the whisky regions of Scotland.

Level 1: Certified Bourbon Professional

Earning the Certified Bourbon Professional™ designation results in the life-long privilege to carry the title and use its postnominals, “CBP”. Upon passing the exam, candidates receive our printed diploma and lapel pin, both in digital as well as physical versions. This course covers the history of bourbon, modern bourbon production methods, bourbon regulation and terms, the whisky regions of America, and the bourbon distilleries of Kentucky.

Level 2: Certified Whiskey Specialist

The Council’s rigorous Level II professional certification is the gold standard credential in global whiskey competence. All Level II candidates must have previously passed either the Certified Scotch Professional (CSP) or the Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP) exam. The Certified Whiskey Specialist™ (CWS) exam covers both Scotch and Bourbon in detail, as well as other important global whisk(e)ys from North America, Ireland, Japan, and emerging regions. This course covers whiskey production, overarching aspects of whisk(e)y, regional knowledge, and relevant producer profiles.

Levels 3 & 4

Those Scotch or Bourbon professionals who pass the Level II exam will thereby demonstrated the theoretical foundations and readiness to proceed to master level study (Levels III & IV).

For information about upcoming courses or webinars provided by DISCUS, please email [email protected]