Certificate in Scotch Whisky - Online Course

Module 1 – History of Scotch
This module covers everything from the early roots of distillation – including illicit distilling – to more recent developments that have revolutionised the category of Scotch within the whisky industry we know today.
Journeying through some key historical dates, you’ll discover how the whisky market has developed over time and understand how the story of Scotch has been shaped by political events and technological change.

Module 2 – The Business of Scotch
This module covers all commercial activity, current developments, and future prospects for Scotch in an ever-changing world.
You’ll learn about the specific UK laws that govern the categorisation, production, bottling, and labelling, and also appreciate the role of industry bodies that have been created to protect Scotch whisky around the globe.

Module 3 – Raw Materials
Building on what you’ve learned in relation to the Scotch Whisky Regulations, you’ll delve further into the differences between malt and grain production, learning about the different ingredients and production methods permitted for each. Of course, we’ll largely focus on water, malted barley, and yeast.

Module 4 – Production process (from grain to whisky)
This module essentially takes us from grain to liquid. You’ll learn more about barley, studying its treatment from the field to the distillery through different stages of what’s known as the malting process. You’ll also discover more about milling and mashing before exploring the role of yeast and different factors that can influence flavour development during fermentation.

Module 5 – Batch Distillation
We’re at the heart of activity within the distillery – in those trademark copper pot stills – for this module on Batch Distillation.
You’ll discover more about how reflux, the size and shape of the still, slope of the lyne arm, and rate of distillation can all contribute to the flavour profile found within the final product. You’ll also be able to identify different still shapes and evaluate how they might affect flavour.

Module 6 – Grain Distillation
This module highlights the ways in which Scotch grain production differs from Scotch malt production. You’ll discover Scotland’s grain distilleries – appreciating the vast scale at which they operate – and learn more about continuous distillation, and the Coffey Still in particular.

Module 7 – Maturation
This module takes us into the warehouse where, over time, the real magic happens. We’ll be talking wood, specifically oak, and the many ways in which it interacts with the spirit to flavour the final product.
You’ll learn about the different warehousing systems currently used in Scotland and how climate, cask size, treatment – such as charring and toasting – finishing, and cask regeneration can all affect flavour.

Module 8 – Blending
This module focuses on the skilful art and science behind great blended whiskies. You’ll learn some of the different qualities that blenders look for in individual whiskies to contribute to their particular blends.

Module 9 – Bottling
This module covers how the final 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 10 – Sensory
This module offers an immersive exploration of whisky tasting. Through engaging video tutorials, you will gain expert guidance on identifying the intricate flavours and aromas that define key styles of Scotch whisky. An optional tasting pack is available for learners based in the USA. This pack includes six exceptional whiskies, carefully selected to showcase a variety of styles and profiles:

1. Arran 10: A vibrant and fruity single malt from the Isle of Arran, demonstrating a Bourbon cask-matured whisky.

2. Tamdhu 12: A rich Speyside classic demonstrating a Sherry cask-matured whisky.

3. Aberfeldy 15 Red Wine Cask: A Highland gem with a luscious red wine finish demonstrating the art of cask finishing.

4. Ledaig 10: A smoky single malt from the Isle of Mull demonstrating the use of peated malt.

5. Dewar’s White Label: A smooth and approachable Scotch whisky demonstrating the blended category.
6. (USA Only) Loch Lomond Single Grain: A light and elegant whisky from the innovative Loch Lomond distillery, demonstrating the grain whisky category.

Final Assessment

Edinburgh Whiskey Academy

Certificate in Scotch Whisky Online Course FAQ’s

How much time does the course take?  

The Certificate in Scotch Whisky is a self-paced online course requiring approximately 4 to 6 hours of study time depending on the student's prior knowledge.

Is there any textbook needed? 

Study Materials include a downloadable pdf textbook available within the online course. 

Are there any online instructors? Who teaches the course? Are there any webinars with a teacher?

This is a self-paced online course, so there are no webinars. Any questions regarding course content can be addressed via the chat inside the online course.

What is the final exam?  How long does it take? 

The Final Assessment Exam is 1 hour long with 50 multiple choice questions.  It is a self-study test so there is no grading other than a 60% pass rate. You can take the exam as many times as you like.  The results are shared immediately and you can download a digital certificate. 

Is the exam included? Do I need to register to set up the exam? The EWA Exam is completely online at the end of the course. No separate registration is required. 

How do I get the certificate?  Does it take a long time to get? 

A digital certificate is issued immediately after successful completion of the exam. Please note, the digital certificate will only be issued if every lesson shows as completed on the online course menu, this includes downloading the ebook and completing the final assessment.

A hardcopy paper certificate and a pin will be sent out within 10 business days from NVWA, Napa, CA, location directly to students based in the US. Please note, that the online course will offer an option to purchase a hardcopy certificate as well but you do not need to purchase it as it’s included in your course and will be provided by NVWA.

I didn’t get an email to access the course.  When is it sent? Who can I contact?

Students should expect 2 emails from Edinburgh Whisky Academy after their purchase.

1. A Site Welcome email with a log-in link to the EWA online course platform will be sent immediately from “Edinburgh Whisky Academy” with email address noreply@notify.edinburghwhiskyacademy.com. The email subject is “Let's Login! ”
2. Course welcome email is sent Monday to Friday in the U.K. Business hours so it may take up to 2 days to receive if purchased after business hours on Friday. Welcome emails are sent from: heather@edinburghwhiskyacademy.com

The subject line is “Welcome, {{STUDENT’S FIRST NAME}} ”

Please reach out directly to support@napavalleywineacademy.com if you have not received an email within 3 days of purchase and have already searched Spam, Trash, Promo or other folders for anything from the above email addresses. 

What if I made a mistake on my name or there is an error in my shipping or email address? What if this was a gift and the student info is incorrect?

Any changes needed for student name, email, shipping address or other error, please reach out to support@napavalleywineacademy.com.

What is in the Scotch Whisky Kit?

The Scotch Whisky Kit contains 6 x 30ml (1 oz) Scotch whiskies:
1. Arran 10 yr Single Malt
2. Tamdhu 12 yr Single Malt

3. Aberfeldy 15 yr Napa Valley Red Wine Cask
4. Ledaig 10 yr
5. Dewars White Label
6. Loch Lomond Single Grain

How long does it take to get the Scotch Whisky Kit?

The kits are shipped by Fedex 2-day delivery within about 5-7 business days of the purchase. You will receive the tracking details by email and have an adult sign for the delivery.

What if I can’t be at home to receive the Scotch Whisky Kit?

Please, contact Fedex with your tracking info to manage your delivery.