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!
DISCUS is pleased to be partnering with EWA as an approved course provider of the Certificates in Scotch Whisky, Irish Whisky, and Gin. These courses are available on demand with no specific start or end date, so they can easily fit into your schedule!
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 sessions: 5
Hard Copy Study Materials Needed?: No
Total Qualification Time: 11 hours. This is made up of 10 Guided Learning Hours, which includes self-study, all course modules, and a 1-hour exam.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Session 1: Historical Development & Business of Whisky
- The history of distillation and whisky
- Understand key dates
- How the market for whisky has developed throughout the years
- Impact of political events
- Recent developments within the industry
- Explore how the Scotch Whisky Industry is protected
- Laws relating to the Scotch Whisky Industry
- Key issues and concerns facing the industry
Session 2: Raw Materials & Production Process
- Explore the use of raw materials used in making Scotch Single Malt Whisky: water, yeast, barley, and peat
- Understand the functions of malting, milling, mashing and fermentation
Session 3: Batch Distillation
- Understand the batch distillation process
- Identify the process of reflux
- Identify how different still shapes affect the flavour profile
- Recognize the double distillation process used in Scotland
- Recognize the operation of a pot still
Session 4: Maturation
- Maturation
- The properties of oak
- Types of casks used
- Flavours imparted on the whisky from the wood
- The Angel’s Share
Session 5: Bottling and Grain Distillation & Blending
- Bottling
- ABV reduction
- Chill filtration
- Identify the different process for continuous distillation
- Identify the variety of ingredients used in grain distillation
- Understand the process used to produce blended Scotch Whisky
- Understand the skills required of a Master blender
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 sessions: 5
Hard Copy Study Materials Needed?: No
Total Qualification Time: 11 hours. This is made up of 10 Guided Learning Hours, which includes self-study, all course modules, and a 1-hour exam.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Session 1: Irish Whiskey History & The Business of Irish Whiskey
- Chart the history of distillation
- Understand the development of poitin and the whisky industry in Ireland
- Understand how the Irish Whiskey market has developed throughout the years
- Chart the impact of political events
- Recent developments within the industry
- Explore the Irish Technical File
- Learn who’s who in the Irish Whiskey industry
- Planned and future developments
- Key threats to the industry
Session 2: Production Process & Pot Still Spirit Production
- Understand the different mashbills used for each different style of whiskey
- Explore the different parts of the production process along with the different types of equipment in use dependent on the mashbill recipe being used and the style of spirit being created
- An indepth look at the production process used for pot still spirit production
- An exploration into grain spirit production in Ireland, understanding continuous distillation and the differences to pot still production
Session 3: Maturation
- Understand the regulations and requirements for maturing Irish Whiskey
- Explore the world of non-oak maturation
- Recognise the different warehousing systems in use in Ireland
Session 4: Blended Irish Whiskey and Bottling & Labeling
- Understand the different combinations of blended Irish Whiskey in line with their definitions
- The specific labelling and bottling requirements for Irish Whiskey
- Understand the process of chill-filtration
Session 5: Sensory Analysis
- Explore activities and learning aids to develop sensory appreciation
- Sensory exploration of the 4 major categories of 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 sessions: 3
Hard Copy Study Materials Needed?: No
Total Qualification Time: 11 hours. This is made up of 10 Guided Learning Hours, which includes self-study, all course modules, and a 1-hour exam.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Session 1: The History of Gin & Definitions and Styles of Gin
- The history of gin:
- Understand key dates
- How the market for gin has developed throughout the years
- Impact of political events
- Recent developments within the industry
- Identify the different legal styles of gin
- Understand laws relating to the gin industry
Session 2: Distillation & Botanicals
- Understand the distillation process
- Identify the different distillation techniques used and why
- Understand the importance of botanicals in gin
- Identify the different ways botanicals can be infused into the final spirit
- Identify the key categories of botanicals
Session 3: Gin Tasting & Gin Cocktails
- Understand how to identify and analyse key aromas and flavours in gin
- Understand how to describe aromas and flavours
- Understand the importance/ history of cocktails in the gin industry
- Identify types of cocktails
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 course dates and to register, please click the registration button below!
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]