Meet the Educator: Christopher N. Stevens
We are thrilled to welcome Christopher N. Stevens as our Approved Course Provider for Baltimore, USA. After a career in medicine, Chris is developing his role in the industry as a brand ambassador and educator. Teaching the Edinburgh Whisky Academy’s certificate courses with Wandering Whisky Studies is an exciting next step in his journey.
After a long career in surgery and medicine, I decided it was time for a change. I looked closely at my passions and realised I had knowledge and experiences I could share with others and whisky was where my curiosity had led me. Today, I am developing my role in the industry as a brand ambassador, educator, and soon, content creator. Teaching the Edinburgh Whisky Academy’s in-person courses is an exciting next step in my journey.
My path into whisky started simply: a desire to educate myself about the miraculous and meticulous flavour profiles found in every dram. That curiosity led me to pester a local distillery for a job and soon I became a brand ambassador. As I took more classes and certifications, friends and colleagues noticed my passion growing and started asking me for advice, tasting recommendations and guidance on whisky and spirits. That enthusiasm eventually became the foundation of Wandering Whisky Studies.
What I love most about teaching is witnessing the wonder in people’s eyes when they discover something new - a flavour they’ve never experienced or a subtle note they’d never noticed before. Sharing that “aha” moment is deeply rewarding. What initially drew me to the Edinburgh Whisky Academy - and continues to excite me today - is the rigorous backing of the Scottish Qualifying Authority. This ensures a globally respected standard of whisky and spirits education, unique in the USA.
My advice for anyone entering the world of whisky: start locally. Find a nearby distillery, get a job and immerse yourself in the industry. Supplement that experience with online certification courses from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, then advance to their in-person Diploma course. Before long, a world of whisky opens up to you.
Quick Fire Questions
First whisky you ever tasted?
Jack Daniels; first Scotch: Glenlivet 12.
Best whisky you have ever tasted?
Hibiki 30, absolutely delicious.
Favourite distillery to visit?
Oban - the charming seaside village made me want to move there and work at the distillery!
Favourite non-whisky drink?
Guinness Stout.
Favourite whisky and food pairing?
Balvenie 14 year old Caribbean Cask with a chocolate chip cookie, or Old Line Spirits Case 1 Rum Whiskey Cask Finish with vanilla ice cream.
What person, dead or alive, would you most like to share a dram with?
Charles MacLean, Master of the Quaich, sharing a Macallan 30 year old Double Cask and talking Scotch, the industry and his life experiences.
