Levels III & IV
Embarking on the master-level programs represents a life-long commitment to Scotch, Bourbon, or to whiskeys in general. Passing the exams constitutes the most challenging achievement in the professional life of a fine spirits expert.
The main difference between the Level II: Certified Whiskey Specialist program and the two master-level programs is the intimate knowledge the latter requires of the most important producers and their leading bottlings. While Level II requires outstanding knowledge of theory, Levels III & IV require significant experience in blind tasting and individual producer and bottling styles.
Master of Scotch™ | Master of Bourbon™
In addition to a rigorous written exam, candidates for the Master of Scotch designation must demonstrate the ability to recognize classical selections in a rigorous blind tasting—including their region, aging and finishing. Candidates’ blind tasting findings are presented orally to a panel of examiners, which also assesses the candidate’s communication skills and use of appropriate terms.
Those who would like to specialize in Scotch only will have reached their final designation after passing the Level III exam. For those who would like to reach the pinnacle of the Council’s certification programs, the Level III: Master of Scotch credential serves as the prerequisite to the broader Level IV: Master of Whiskey title.
In addition to the Master of Scotch designation, a separate Master of Bourbon designation is also offered, see Level III: Master of Bourbon. Enrollment for the on-site Master exams is currently open HERE for Scotch, and HERE for Bourbon.
Master of Whiskey™
The Master of Whiskey designations builds on the Master of Scotch or Master of Bourbon title demanding mastery of all other global whiskeys, in addition to a complete understanding of Scotch/Bourbon and its distillers and bottlings.
Some candidates may choose the spelling “Master of Whisky” instead of “Master of Whiskey”. We will issue the graduation diploma according to their preference.
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All master-level examinations take place annually, usually in spring, in-person and on-site, in the United States (in odd years) or in Scotland (in even years). Enrollment for the on-site Master of Whiskey exams is currently open HERE. You need to be either Master of Scotch or Master of Bourbon to enroll.
Our Master-level study programs were first offered in 2022. For the first two years of the program, exam panels were overseen by individual Keepers and Masters of the Quaich (among other senior whisky experts) who have earned significant honors in the world of Scotch.
Now that the Council of Whiskey Masters has produced a critical mass of Masters, those Masters of Scotch, Masters of Bourbon, and Masters of Whiskey have joined The Council of Whiskey Masters as full members and lead the Master examinations together with the members of the Council’s Advisory Board.
LAUNCH RELEASE SUMMER 2019:
New Scotch and Bourbon Study & Certification Program Announced
The Council of Whiskey Masters, based in Los Angeles, is introducing a dedicated certification program for whiskey professionals. Two separate Level 1 tracks, Certified Scotch Professional (CSP) and Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP), are now open for student enrollment.
While several organizations offer credentialing programs for spirits, no specialized and rigorous self-study program has been available globally for Scotch or Bourbon, nor for whiskey in general. The new whiskey credentialing program provides a value that was missing so far, and adds to the range of already well-known and respected wine specialist and sommelier credentials.
With growing interest in Scotch and Bourbon, beverage professionals and hobbyists can demonstrate their dedication to and expertise in whiskey through a demanding course of study and examination, from anywhere in the world.
To prepare for the exam, candidates enrolled in the CSP or CBP programs (Level 1) receive a detailed 100-page study guide. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, with an exam time of one hour. To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a score of 80% or above. Exam dates are offered weekly via a secure online option, and the exam can be taken anywhere in the world as long as internet and phone access are in place. Candidates receive a diploma and a lapel pin upon passing the exam and may carry the corresponding post-nominal after their names.
Passing either Level 1 exam (Scotch track or Bourbon track) allows candidates to register for the comprehensive Certified Whiskey Specialist (CWS; Level 2) exam, and they can later proceed to the Master of Scotch (SM, Level 3) and Master of Whiskey (WM, Level 4) levels.
Program and registration information as well as curriculum overview and sample exam questions can be found at www.WhiskeyMasters.org. Contact email: Office@WhiskeyMasters.org
SUMMARY: Study and Certification Program
Level 1: Certified Scotch Professional™ (CSP), OR Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP)
Level 2: Certified Whiskey Specialist™ (CWS)
Level 3: Master of Scotch™, OR Master of Bourbon™
Level 4: Master of Whiskey™
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COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS Announces Inaugural Advisory Board Members
THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS, a U.S. education and certification body for expertise in whisk(e)y, has published the full list of individuals joining the organization’s Advisory Board.
THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS has recently launched a 4-level study & certification program for aspiring and established whiskey professionals. Level 1 of the program provides an introduction to the world of whiskey, via a Scotch track or a Bourbon track. After earning either the “Certified Scotch Professional” (CSP) or “Certified Bourbon Professional” (CBP) designation of Level 1, candidates can pursue comprehensive and global whiskey knowledge by sitting for the Level 2 exam leading to the “Certified Whiskey Specialist” (CWS) designation. Level 2 will provide a detailed treatment of Irish, Canadian and Japanese whiskey, in addition to full coverage of Scotch and American whiskey. From there, candidates can move to the “Master of Scotch”, “Master of Bourbon” and “Master of Whiskey” levels to demonstrate their lifetime dedication and highest competence in the beverage class.
Within the first month of program launch, close to 100 candidates from 30 countries have enrolled in the study program. The study materials and exam content for the program are derived 100% from the written works of Advisory Board members. Registration for the Level 1 exams as well as the Level 2 exam is now available. All study materials are provided by the program, and the exams can be taken anywhere in the world through an efficient online process.
Creating the best chances for this program to become a gold standard in demonstrating and signaling whiskey competence, the organization has called upon some of the world’s most respected authorities in whiskey to provide guidance, share relationships as well as best practices, and to support ongoing stability. Members share a vision of achieving an integrated education path for the wider world of whiskey, based on independent, relevant and objective knowledge standards.
The list of inaugural Advisory Board members can be found on our ABOUT page.