Approved Course Provider Programme
Our global community of independent whisky educators and industry trainers are united by a shared mission: to deliver world-class whisky education worldwide.
By partnering with passionate professionals around the world, we make credible, SQA-approved whisky education accessible to all, delivering consistently excellent learning experiences in-person, in local markets and in learners’ native languages.
Two Levels of Accreditation
Our Approved Course Providers are accredited at two levels, based on the courses they are certified to deliver:
Gold • Level 2
These providers are certified to teach our full suite of qualifications:
- Diploma in Single Malt Whisky
- Certificate in Scotch Whisky
- Certificate in Irish Whiskey
- Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey
- Certificate in Sensory Appreciation
- Certificate in Gin
Silver • Level 1
These providers are certified to teach our beginner-to-intermediate Certificate-level courses:
- Certificate in Scotch Whisky
- Certificate in Irish Whiskey
- Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey
- Certificate in Sensory Appreciation
- Certificate in Gin
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Current Approved Course Providers
Click the + icon to read more about each provider.
Gold • Level 2 • Advanced
Hong Kong • Hong Kong Wine Academy • Louis Lee • Micky Chan
Louis & Micky are veteran wine and spirits educators, blending WSET-accredited expertise with a deep passion for Asian whisky culture. Hong Kong Wine Academy is a leading light for formal drinks education in the region.
Puerto Rico • Academia de Whisky • Joe Cabassa
Joe is a pioneering voice for whisky education in Latin America, known for his engaging delivery and efforts to grow the whisky community across Puerto Rico and beyond.
Türkiye • Uzkeba • Yiğit Akdemir
Founder of Uzkeba, Yiğit combines a scientific background with storytelling flair to make whisky education accessible and inspiring throughout Türkiye.
UAE, Dubai • Barrels & Beyond • Bharat Rathore
Bharat is a certified whisky expert and entrepreneur bringing world-class spirits education to the heart of Dubai’s hospitality and enthusiast scene.
Silver • Level 1 • Intermediate
Canada, Vancouver • Statera Academy • Keith Nicholson
With a background in hospitality and distilling, Keith runs Statera Academy to support balanced, structured spirits education across Canada.
France • TerraRhona • Guillaume Reynaud
Guillaume leads TerraRhona with a dedication to terroir and flavour, bridging France’s culinary heritage with a passion for whisky education.
Lebanon, Syria, Jordan & Iraq • Levant Whisky Academy • Samer Abi Farah
Samer is a respected voice in Middle Eastern whisky circles, creating engaging, culturally relevant training experiences for curious learners across the Levant.
Spain, Madrid • 9 Smoking Barrels • Samantha De Noia
Samantha brings energy and creativity to whisky education, running tastings and training sessions that demystify whisky for Spain’s growing audience.
Spain • More than Wines • Miguel Moreno • Esther Medina-Cuesta
This dynamic duo combines expertise in wine and spirits to deliver immersive whisky education, blending technical knowledge with Spanish hospitality.
Singapore • The Beverage Clique • Sean Ou
Sean is a certified trainer and leading spirits educator in Southeast Asia, committed to raising the bar for professional drinks training in Singapore.
Taiwan • Spirits & Wisdom • Howard Yu
Howard is a passionate whisky educator and judge who fosters appreciation and knowledge through courses and events across Taiwan.
UK, Gateshead, England • The Distilled Consultant • Lee Conner
Lee is an industry consultant and educator with a gift for translating technical whisky concepts into engaging, practical learning.
UK, Midlands, England • Barrel & Brand • Kevin Blair
Kevin combines brand-building know-how with a love for whisky education, supporting learners through structured, accessible teaching.
UK, Glasgow, Scotland • The Piper Whisky Bar • Gillian Kirkland
Gillian runs one of Glasgow’s most beloved whisky bars and shares her deep knowledge with warmth, charm, and a dram in hand.
UK, Speyside, Scotland • The Dram Queen • Ann Miller
Known as The Dram Queen, Ann is a former industry insider turned educator, offering rich insights drawn from decades in the heart of Scotch whisky.
USA, Austin, Texas • Whisk(e)y Marketing School • Daniel Whittington
Daniel leads the Whisk(e)y Marketing School at Wizard Academy, merging entrepreneurial insight with whisky mastery in a unique campus setting.
USA, Baltimore, Washington DC • Wandering Whisky Studies • Chris Stevens
Christopher is an independent educator bringing immersive, story-rich whisky learning experiences to the Mid-Atlantic region.
USA, Chicago • Dandelion BevEd • Gina Fossit
Gina is a hospitality professional and whisky advocate, dedicated to supporting confident, knowledgeable drinks professionals through her training sessions.
USA, Dallas, Texas • Copper Widow • Jennifer Thompson • Scott Thompson
his husband-and-wife team blends hospitality, education, and hands-on whisky passion to deliver memorable training across Texas.
USA, Minnesota • Spirited Endeavors • Dan Kujawski
Dan is a spirits educator and sensory expert focused on creating thoughtful, flavour-first whisky learning experiences.
USA, New York • Barrel Strength Talent • Lia Niskanen
Lia is an experienced industry educator, offering tailored learning experiences in the heart of Manhattan.
USA, Virginia • Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy • Tracy Waldron
Tracy leads one of Virginia’s premier drinks training schools, championing high-quality spirits education with a warm, accessible approach.
Want to Teach Our Courses?
Whether you're an experienced spirits educator, launching a new business, or seeking a white-labelled training solution for your team, we’d love to hear from you.
Join our global network of Approved Course Providers and help us share formal, fun and flavourful whisky education around the world.
Book a 30-minute Zoom call with the EWA team today.
