Whether you’re expanding your spirits education business or embedding professional whisky training into a global trade organisation, Gold status is designed to support ambitious educators with a passion for high-quality delivery.

A Dedicated Path for Trade Providers
Looking to take control of in-house whisky training? We also welcome trade clients who want to embed whisky education directly into their organisation.
By training a full-time employee to become an Approved Course Provider, you can deliver structured, certified education across your teams, including hospitality, retail and distribution staff.
To qualify as a trade provider:
- The trainer must meet Silver-level criteria
- Be a full-time employee of a whisky-related company
- All payments must be processed via the employer
This model is ideal for companies who want cost-effective, flexible and scalable staff training backed by SQA-approved content and the expertise of the Edinburgh Whisky Academy.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for Level 2 approval, you must:
✔ Have been a Silver (Level 1) Course Provider for at least 12 months*
✔ Have successfully taught a minimum number of Certificate candidates
✔ Run an active education business or trade training programme with demonstrable demand for Diploma-level learning
✔ Attend and pass the Advanced Diploma course
What You Can Teach
Gold Providers can deliver:
• 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
*Adaptable for trade providers who have already delivered Certificate-level courses
Meet Our Current Gold Providers
From Hong Kong to Türkiye, Gold Level Course Providers are already bringing high-level whisky education to students around the world. Whether independent educators or trade partners, they share a commitment to excellence and the EWA learning experience.
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.


Ready to Step Up?
Gold status represents our highest level of trust. It’s a mark of quality and commitment and an exciting opportunity to offer internationally recognised whisky education in your region.
Get in Touch
Get in touch to explore Gold • Level 2 accreditation. Book a 30-minute Zoom call with the EWA team today.