Meet the Educator: Luc Vandeputte

We’re delighted to introduce Luc Vandeputte, the new Approved Course Provider for Belgium. Luc is the driving force behind the Belgian Whisky Academy, a non-profit association based at the brewery/distillery Craywinckelhof in Lubbeek. Through tastings, lectures, trips to Scotland, and now Edinburgh Whisky Academy's certificate courses, Luc is helping whisky lovers and drinks professionals across Belgium deepen their knowledge and passion for Scotch whisky.

In Luc’s own words

As Secretary-General of the Belgian Whisky Academy, I coordinate and take part in organising a wide range of events - from masterclasses, tastings, lectures and discussions to tailor-made whisky trips to Scotland. The aim is simple: to share our passion for whisky and raise the level of knowledge among both enthusiasts and those working in the retail and spirits industry.

I’ve been organising whisky tastings and presentations for quite a few years now. After completing the Whisky Ambassador Certified and Advanced Programmes, as well as the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky with the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, I knew I wanted to take things further. Becoming an EWA Approved Course Provider felt like the natural next step: a way to share my passion more formally and connect more people with the world of Scotch whisky.

For me, teaching is about sharing the things I love. It’s about helping and encouraging others to develop a deeper understanding of whisky — while also pushing myself to keep learning along the way.

What impresses me most about the Edinburgh Whisky Academy is the professionalism and quality of its courses. The content is rigorous yet accessible, and the presentation is second to none. As an educator, it’s a real pleasure to be able to teach using such state-of-the-art materials.

Quickfire questions with Luc

First whisky you ever tasted?
I remember exactly where: on the ferry from IJmuiden to Newcastle, during one of my first trips to Scotland. I don’t recall which dram came first in the line-up, but it was either an Auchentoshan American Oak or a Glenlivet 12-year-old.

Best whisky you’ve ever tasted?
That’s a tough one. For me, whisky isn’t whisky until it’s shared - and the “best” depends so much on who you’re with, where you are, and the circumstances. I keep a sort of top five, though it’s not a fixed list: Ledaig 18, Old Pulteney 15, Lagg Corriecravie, Kilkerran 8, and Glenfarclas 15. There are also some incredible independent bottlings I truly admire.

Favourite distillery to visit?
I’ve had the most memorable tours and tastings at Tobermory, Old Pulteney, Highland Park, and Nc’Nean — so those would be my top choices.

Favourite non-whisky drink?
I’m Belgian... so of course, a good Belgian lager.

Favourite whisky and food pairing?
Talisker and oysters, without a doubt!

One person, dead or alive, you’d most like to share a dram with?
Winston Churchill. I admire him as a politician, but also for his ingenuity - such as securing a doctor’s prescription for whisky in New York during Prohibition in 1932, declaring that his convalescence required at least 250cc of spirits daily! Sharing a dram with such a character would be fascinating and enriching.