Edinburgh Whisky Academy

Dandelion BevEd now offers formal training for the Edinburgh Whisky Academy! This course is led by our founder Gina Fossitt, certified in whisk(e)y.

Explore below to find out more.

  • Edinburgh Whisky Academy is for people who savor whisky knowledge.

Whisky Courses

Whisky training courses are created to impart valuable knowledge and are designed for those seeking an in-depth understanding of whisky, including its history, production process, maturation and sensory aspects.

The Edinburgh Whisky Academy is proud of our SQA certification, making us the first and only approved centre of learning for whisky education.

  • The Introduction to Whisky Certificate explores the fundamentals of whisky and provides the Academy’s first tier of award-winning whisky education. The online format makes it globally accessible, as well as being a cost effective way to access independent and comprehensive material and expertise.

  • The Diploma in Single Malt Whisky, the Academy’s flagship Diploma, is the only one of its kind. Over two days you will learn about its fascinating history, commercial development, all the subtleties of production and maturation, the effect of different casks, as well as other techniques for creating and enhancing flavour.

  • The Diploma in the Art of Tasting Whisky, our most recently launched Diploma, is a fun and interactive course exploring the sensory side of whisky. This one day Diploma focuses on the flavour journey of whisky including the olfactory system and aroma memory, as well as exploring the development of flavour throughout the production process.

  • Focus on Flavour highlights the key areas of flavour origination, including how the raw materials, production process and maturation each affect the flavours in whisky, enabling you to identify and match key flavours to the part of the process in which they are likely to have developed.

  • Wake up your Whisky Nose taps into the wonders of emotion, smell and memory of whisky. You’ll appreciate where taste fits in the flavour journey, learn how to train your nose, build your aroma memory and gain valuable sensory skills that will boost your confidence when it comes to tasting whisky.

  • The Edinburgh Whisky Academy regularly hosts bespoke training courses for our clients and customers in the whisky industry and beyond. We liaise closely with our clients to ensure that their unique training needs are fully covered in the material taught and are relevant to our ever evolving industry.

Explore Class Modules

  • The History of American Single Malt Whiskey

    MODULE 1

    In this module, you’ll explore the fascinating story behind American Single Malt Whiskey and discover how whiskey traditions from Ireland and Scotland made their way to North America. We’ll trace the historical roots of distilling on the continent and see how climate, agriculture, and culture helped shape whiskey production in the United States. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how this exciting and relatively new category emerged.

  • The Business of American Single Malt Whiskey

    MODULE 2

    In this module, you’ll dive into the rapidly growing world of American Single Malt Whiskey as an industry. We’ll explore how distilleries across the United States are shaping this category and building its identity within the global whiskey market. You’ll gain insight into the forces driving its growth and why so many producers and enthusiasts are excited about its future.

  • Raw Materials

    MODULE 3

    In this module, you’ll learn about the essential ingredients that form the foundation of American Single Malt Whiskey. We’ll explore the role of malted barley and how it is prepared and used during the early stages of whiskey making. Along the way, you’ll begin to see how raw materials influence both production and the character of the final spirit.

  • Production Process (From Grain to Liquid)

    MODULE 4

    In this module, you’ll follow the journey of American Single Malt Whiskey from grain to distilled spirit. We’ll introduce the key production stages—such as mashing, fermentation, and distillation—and explain how each step transforms the raw ingredients. This module offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and decisions that shape every drop.

  • Maturation

    MODULE 5

    In this module, you’ll discover how whiskey develops its character as it matures in oak casks. We’ll explore how time, wood, and environmental conditions influence the evolving flavors and aromas of the spirit. By understanding maturation, you’ll see how this crucial stage helps define the personality of American Single Malt Whiskey.

  • Blending & Bottling

    MODULE 6

    In this module, you’ll learn how distillers bring whiskey to its final form before it reaches your glass. We’ll introduce the role of blending and bottling in shaping consistency, balance, and style. This stage reveals how careful decisions help create the finished whiskey that consumers experience.

  • Sensory

    MODULE 7

    In this module, you’ll develop the skills to properly evaluate and appreciate American Single Malt Whiskey. We’ll guide you through the fundamentals of nosing and tasting while exploring the aromas, flavors, and textures found in the glass. By the end, you’ll feel more confident describing and enjoying the unique characteristics of this whiskey category.

The History

Founded in 2015 by Kirsty McKerrow, the Edinburgh Whisky Academy is a family-run institution rooted in generations of whisky heritage. The McKerrow family’s legacy dates back to 1815 with Mackinlay’s whisky, famously supplied to Ernest Shackleton’s 1907 Antarctic expedition, while their father Neil McKerrow, former CEO of Glenmorangie, helped revolutionize the industry by pioneering cask-finished whiskies and the brand’s “cradle to grave” cask philosophy.

After working as the Nordic Brand Ambassador for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, Kirsty recognized a lack of credible, brand-neutral whisky education and founded the Academy to address this gap. Today, it offers industry-respected, SQA-certified courses written by independent experts, providing comprehensive education on whisky production, history, business, and sensory appreciation, with the goal of advancing excellence in whisky education worldwide.

The Edinburgh Whisky Academy is a Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) accredited centre of learning for whisky and gin education. EWA was specifically created to fill a vital gap in scotch whisky education.

Take the Course 

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“Our multifaceted curriculum is dedicated to the history, production and appreciation of Scotland’s most renowned export.”

-Kirsty McKerrow, Founder of EWA

Enroll Today

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