Who is it for?

The Certificate in American Single Malt Wiskey is particularly suitable to:

• Professionals in the drinks industry: hospitality staff, brand owner employees, distributors, importers & exporters, visitor centre staff, whisky investment professionals, etc.

• Individuals seeking a career in the whisky/food & beverage industries.

• Whisky enthusiasts eager to improve their knowledge.

Modules

• Module 1: The History of American Single Malt Whiskey

In this module, you’ll learn all about the fascinating history of the sprits in America and with special focus on the development of the American Single Malt Whiskey. Journeying through some key historical dates, you’ll discover how the whisky market has developed over time in America, understand how the story of the American Single Malt Whiskey has been shaped by political events and evaluate how some of the more recent developments have revolutionised the category.

• Module 2: The Business of American Single Malt Whiskey

Here, you’ll learn more about the various laws relating to the production, bottling and labelling of American Single Malt Whiskey. You’ll explore and understand the role of industry bodies that have been created to protect the industry on a global scale. You’ll calculate the key issues and concerns facing the industry and consider some of the newer developments and future prospects for American Single Malt Whiskey. 

• Module 3: Raw materials

In this module, you’ll delve into the different styles of American Single Malt Whiskey permitted by the Regulations. You’ll understand the relevant rules that govern it, including the raw materials and production processes used. You’ll also learn more about malting barley, water and yeast.

• Module 4: Production Process (From Grain to Liquid)

Here, you’ll decipher the various stages of the American Single Malt Whiskey production process. You’ll learn more about barley; studying its treatment prior to malting and journeying through the different stages of the malting process. You’ll also discover more about the milling and mashing phases before exploring the role of yeast and the different factors that can influence flavour development during fermentation.

• Module 5: Maturation

Here, you’ll learn all about oak. From the different types to the influential flavour compounds that are extracted. You’ll discover more about the key flavour influences created during maturation including cask size, secondary maturation, charring, toasting and cask regeneration. You’ll appreciate how climate can alter the maturation process and understand the different warehousing systems currently in use in America.

• Module 6: Blending & Bottling

In this module, you’ll examine the final stage in the whiskey-making process and understand how the end product is prepared for sale. You’ll explore the journey from cask to bottle, including vatting, ABV reduction, chill filtration and the bottling line.

• Module 7: Sensory

Here, you’ll learn about how to feel and taste the American Single Malt Whiskey. You’ll discover a bit more about the skilful art of tasting and understand the different qualities that an American Single Malt Whiskey can have.