Silver • Level 1 • Approved Course Providers
The first step in your SQA-Approved teaching journey. This accreditation allows you to deliver Edinburgh Whisky Academy’s suite of Certificate-level courses.
Whether you're an independent educator or a whisky company looking to run your own internal training, Silver status opens the door to delivering accessible, structured and credible whisky education.
New for Trade Clients: Internal Training Solutions
If you're a whisky brand, bar group, distributor or retail chain looking to take charge of your own staff training, we’ve created a dedicated trade provider route.
This model allows you to:
• Upskill a full-time employee as a certified EWA educator
• Deliver in-house training to staff across your organisation
• Extend learning to distributors, hospitality teams, or retail partners
• Build training capacity that’s flexible, cost-effective and scalable
To qualify:
• Your nominated trainer must complete the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky, achieving 80% or higher
• Submit a training plan and attend a suitability meeting
• All payments must be processed via the employer
This is a powerful way to embed world-class whisky education
directly into your operations, on your terms, at your pace.
Who Can Apply?
To become a Silver Provider (individual or trade), you must:
✔ Attend the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky
(online or in person)
✔ Achieve 80% or higher in all modules
✔ Submit a business plan outlining delivery goals, venue details and recruitment strategy
✔ Attend a planning meeting with the EWA team
What You Can Teach
Silver Providers are certified to teach:
• Certificate in Scotch Whisky
• Certificate in Irish Whiskey
• Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey
• Certificate in Sensory Appreciation
• Certificate in Gin
Course Resources & Assets
We provide access to full course teaching materials and digital assets to maintain quality and consistency.
Ongoing Training & Quality Standards
All Silver Providers participate in an Annual Training Update covering industry insights, teaching refreshers and peer learning.
Join a Growing Global Network
Silver Course Providers now represent EWA across over a dozen countries, from educators in Madrid and Chicago to trainers in Singapore, Speyside and beyond.
Click the + icon to read more about each provider.
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.
Ready to Start Teaching?
Silver status is your gateway into a thriving global network of professional whisky educators. We’re here to support you at every step.
Get in Touch
Get in touch to explore Silver • Level 1 accreditation. Book a 30-minute Zoom call with the EWA team today.
