Learn about distilled spirits
An advanced course covering all the major spirit categories, explaining how each is made, what creates their distinct profiles and all the necessary context to fully appreciate the full scope of each spirit.
On demand and bite sized
Learning should be fun, and it should fit around your schedule.
We’ve broken down the course into clear modules, split into short videos with optional extra reading available online.
Increase your knowledge
As it covers all the major spirits in detail, this is an ideal course for those starting out in the drinks industry and looking to dramatically up-skill their craft and their drinks knowledge.
A SPIRITS COURSE FOR CURIOUS MINDS
This is intended as an advanced course in that it covers production, styles and context from start to finish in each category, and it goes into a lot of detail. It is designed for those with a strong interest in spirits an existing knowledge.or work in the broader drinks industry.
01
Introductions
How does our course work, how to use the platform and all the necessary housekeeping to learn around your needs and preferences
02
Raw Materials
How are materials processed and how are they prepared for distillation?
The ingredients, malting, mashing, fermenting
03
Distilling
How do stills work and how does their design change the spirit being made?
The principles of (all) distillation.
04
Whisky
What are the styles?
We cover Bourbon, Rye, Scotch, Irish, New World Whisky.
We look into the specifics of how they are made – malting, mashing and fermenting processes as well as maturation.
05
Rum
We look at the styles and regions and the styles being made.
We give insight into the individual production processes, blending and post distillation practices.
06
Brandy
A deep dive into Grape based brandy production and the famous category trio; Cognac, Armagnac and Pisco.
We also cover fruit-based Eau de Vie including Calvados and Kirsch.
07
Agave Spirits
Insight into Tequila, Mezcal and Agave Distillates.
We explore the regions and a focus on production processes such as cooking, fermentation, distillation, maturation and filtration.
08
Gin
We begin with key botanicals and extraction methods, category styles and distilling methods.
We also take a closer look at the chemistry involved, regional influences and cocktails.
09
Vodka
We explain the influence of raw materials and regional history.
We cover how continuous distillation works in detail, as well as give insight into filtration and post distillations infusions.
10
Liqueurs & Aperitifs
We look at the big Liqueur categories, how they came about and what typifies them.
We also look at fortified wine, from Vermouth to Sherry and Amaros.
Aquire new Understanding
Continue your learning journey
There will never be an end to the amount of insight and understanding you can delve into within spirits, as there is no end to the innovation and creativity involved in making it.
This is a course for those who want to build a rounded understanding of what lies beneath the surface of the drinks in their glass and kickstart their journey.
Introductory price for the course will be £95 per user (+ VAT where applicable), with around 12h of content at your fingertips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who delivers the course?
Our Advanced Spirits Course is lead by Olivier Ward. Having spent over a decade at the forefront of the craft gin boom, Olivier is widely recognised as a global gin expert and an ambassador for the category.
As a spirits journalist he has covered the span of the industry, from trade news, to industry trends, production insight and commentary.
His work in spirits retail saw him catalogue and curate information about how something was made, where and by who, as well as why that influenced flavour for over 2000 products.
Do I get a certificate on completion?
Yes! We will issue a certificate on completing the course.
While there are mini-quizzes to aid you in cementing what you have learned, this isn’t an exam based course.
Is it possible to extend the amount of time the course is accessible after purchase?
The cumulative total time needed for the course is 12h. Once purchased, the course is available for two months only. Ample time to learn at your leisure, and return to sections if needed.
Difficulty logging into the Course?
No problem – drop us a note and we’ll help!
Can I receive an invoice detailing my charges?
Absolutely. Each transaction will carry its own invoice and receipt.