Quick links for first time visitors:
Enroll for our Level 1, Scotch track, certification and become a Certified Scotch Professional.
Enroll for our Level 1 Bourbon track, certification and become a Certified Bourbon Professional.
Receive great benefits and access by signing up for our Membership Program.
For currently enrolled CSP, CBP and CWS candidates:
2025 Master of Scotch and Master of Bourbon exam registration is now open, at reduced rates before June 1st.
Our 2024 Master exams are taking place in Western Scotland this April of 2024, with a record number of candidates from around the world. Judges include Charles MacLean, Dave Broom, Steve Beal, and many more.
The Council of Whiskey Masters is the world’s leading education and certification body for whiskey expertise, covering Scotch, Bourbon, and more.
The Council of Whiskey Masters was established to define and uphold a new set of education standards among sommeliers and spirits professionals, offering credentials in the field of whiskey that are equivalent to the well-established designations in the world of wine.
The certification program consists of 4 levels, with Levels I and II conducted remotely / online. Levels III and IV are delivered in-person.
Prior to the founding of the Council, there had been no worldwide education and certification body or program dedicated to the wider beverage category of whiskey—the finest of all spirits.
Learn more, and start with one of our Level I credentials: Certified Scotch Professional (CSP) and Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP).
Upon passing Level I, candidates can move to the Level II credential, covering the whole world of whiskey, beyond Scotland and America: Certified Whiskey Specialist (CWS).
Our Master-level exams are: Level III, Master of Scotch or Master of Bourbon, and finally Level IV, Master of Whiskey.
The Council also maintains a vibrant Membership Program, offering benefits to all whiskey lovers.
Learn about Whiskey: The Leading Education Programs for Scotch, Bourbon, and the other Global Whiskeys.
Available for aspiring and established spirits professionals located anywhere in the world, through online testing.
Designed, guided and endorsed by the most respected whisk(e)y and spirits authorities from 4 continents.
Today, the most widely recommended and trusted certification program on whiskey, globally.
Helping aspiring as well as seasoned whiskey specialists to reach the highest possible knowledge & competence levels.
Certification candidates are located in more than 40 countries. The Council is 100% independent, with the sole focus to deliver the most relevant and accepted study program in the industry, based on a rigorous study curriculum that requires intensive study and dedication. Our Advisory Board consists of 30+ of the most respected individuals in all of whiskey, making the Council certifications a globally recognized set of spirits qualifications. Our remote-friendly learning options allow for effective whiskey education online.
The world of whiskey is rich in the potential for knowledge and ability, and has long needed a legitimate training and career path that a formal study & exam program can best help establish. Interested individuals from around the globe should have access to a viable path that allows starting and building out a career in whiskey. Our tiered study & examination program aims to fill this gap.
Join a vibrant group of current certification candidates who already cover more than 30 countries, representing 6 continents, all regions of Europe, the British Isles, Asia and all 50 states in the USA. We provide every individual, in all countries, with an unrivaled opportunity to become a legitimate whiskey professional.
Benefits: Each successful candidate receives the lifelong right to carry the certification title, and its postnominals. Physical as well as digital diplomas, plus lapel pins, are sent to all candidates upon passing. Candidates enjoy a variety of networking and career opportunities, in addition to a more complete ability to enjoy and analyze the spirit. The Council's study materials have been praised by many of the leading professionals in the world, and the Council's prominent Advisory Board lends great credibility to the organization and its graduates.
Our Educational Programs and Certifications
Take a 5-question SAMPLE QUIZ HERE to get a sense for the Scotch exam.
See your score immediately. The Bourbon exam has a similar difficulty level.
Not reaching 5/5 yet? Our study guide will prepare you perfectly. Enroll below.
Also consider our new membership program, with incredible access and savings benefits.
MEMBERSHIP IN THE SOCIETY OF WHISKEY MASTERS: REVIEW THE BENEFITS HERE
Lower cost for whiskey and glassware, access to all main whiskey magazines, local networking and involvement… review our list of 10 unbeatable advantages for every whiskey lover and professional.
The Council’s Fleet of Designations & Lapel Pins
Our demanding level 1 certification offers 2 tracks: Scotch (CSP) and Bourbon (CBP).
Global whisk(e)y knowledge is then integrated with our level 2 (CWS) credential.
We offer Master levels for both the Scotch and the Bourbon track, representing our famous level 3.
Global mastery is earned via level 4, “Master of Whiskey”, or in the alternative spelling "Master of Whisky”.
The Council’s latest foray into the wider world of spirits sets the new standard for professional judges.
Our “Certified Spirits Judge” credential (CSJ) prepares for roles in spirits competitions and evaluation.
“The Council of Whiskey Masters sets the highest global standard for knowledge and competence in the field of whiskey in general, and Scotch as well as Bourbon in particular. Its study and certification programs are the industry gold standard.”
Explore the Program Details
Level I: Certified Scotch Professional (CSP), now enrolling for immediate start.
or Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP), now enrolling for immediate start.
Level II: Certified Whiskey Specialist (CWS), now enrolling for immediate start.
Level III: Master of Scotch, now enrolling for April 2025 exam in Texas.
or Master of Bourbon, now enrolling for April 2025 exam in Texas.
Level IV: Master of Whiskey, now enrolling for April 2025 exam in Texas.
Our separate Spirits Judge qualification (CSJ) provides pro-level spirits evaluation skills.
The Council of Whiskey Masters claims global trademark (™) protection of the terms “Master of Scotch”, “Master of Bourbon”, “Master of Whiskey”, and the other certification titles issued by the Council. No use is permitted without written permission of the Council.
The Council observes both the ‘whiskey’ as well as the ‘whisky’ spellings, as there are various reasons for using either. As an American organization, the Council generally uses “whiskey”, but candidates are located anywhere in the world, and the diplomas will be issued under the preference of each candidate, e.g., “Master of Whisky” or “Master of Whiskey”, and “Certified Whisky Specialist” or “Certified Whiskey Specialist”.
Would you like advice, or want to find out how our certification program can help your passion/career?
Our competent office team can give clear insight. All our team members are whiskey professionals.
Enter you phone number below to request a callback, or enter your email and question to get a written reply.
Statements from Successful Candidates in the CSP, CBP and CWS Courses:
“Internationally recognized, respected and endorsed by the best people and institutions in the world of whisk(e)y.”
Perspectives from Advisory Board Members at The Council of Whiskey Masters:
