Edinburgh Whisky Academy Launches American Single Malt Whiskey Course

The Edinburgh Whisky Academy (EWA) has partnered with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission to launch an online, educational course about American single malt whiskey.
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The Edinburgh Whisky Academy (EWA) has partnered with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission to launch an online, educational course about American single malt whiskey. The course launches today (August 19th, 2024) and costs start at £125 (~$162). Sign up for your place on the course here

The launch of the certificate comes amongst increased calls for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to standardize the American single malt whiskey category

The Certificate In American Single Malt Whiskey 

The Certificate In American Single Malt Whiskey is a self-paced online course in which learners can use specially designed multimedia lessons over seven modules. The modules are: 

  • Module 1: The History of American Single Malt Whiskey 
  • Module 2: The Business of American Single Malt Whiskey 
  • Module 3: Raw Materials 
  • Module 4: Production Process (From Grain to Liquid) 
  • Module 5: Maturation 
  • Module 6: Blending & Bottling 
  • Module 7: Sensory 
  • Final Assessment: 50 questions, multiple-choice format 


Upon completion of the final assessment, participants will receive a digital certificate and badge. Those wishing for a physical certificate and lapel pin can purchase them from the EWA. 

The ‘course only’ option costs £125 ()~$162). Alternatively, learners can pay £180 (~$235) to receive an additional tasting pack to accompany the sensory module. This pack includes six American single malt whiskeys from Virginia Distillery Co., Stranahan’s, Boulder Spirits, Andalusia, Whisket Del Bac, and McCarthy’s. 

The course was designed by the EWA with contributing experts: 

  • Steve Hawley (President, American Single Malt Whiskey Commission)
  • Joseph O’Sullivan (Master Distiller, Minden Mill Distilling)
  • Tyler Pederson (Master Distiller, Westland Distillery)
  • Jared Himstedt (Head Distiller, Balcones Distilling)
  • Murphy Quint (Master Distiller, Cedar Ridge Distillery)
  • Matt Hofmann (Consultant, American Single Malt Whiskey)
  • Clay Risen (Journalist & Author)

Kirsty McKerrow, Founder and Managing Director of Edinburgh Whisky Academy, commented: “We are thrilled to introduce the first course of its kind with our Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey. This category is new, exciting, and growing rapidly, and our partnership with the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission allows us to pioneer a new standard of whiskey education. At the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, we believe that you never stop learning about whiskey, and this course is a testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge and comprehensive education for whiskey enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.”

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The Growing American Single Malt Whiskey Category 

The American single malt whiskey category is rapidly expanding, with distillers popping up across the United States. 

Recent changes in legislation by the TTB, allowing American single malts to be matured in vessels other than virgin American white oak, have opened doors for distillers to experiment with different cask maturation programs. 

Despite this, the TTB has yet to lay down a legal definition of American single malt whiskey as its own category. Distillers across the United States are pushing for standardization in order to protect the category. 

Steve Hawley, President of the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission, hopes that the EWA’s American Single Malt Whiskey course will help with the effort for standardization. “We’re excited to partner with the Edinburgh Whisky Academy to offer this comprehensive and pioneering educational opportunity. The category of American single malt whiskey is an intriguing blend of tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of both worlds. This course furthers our mission to establish American single malt whiskey as a recognized and celebrated category among global whiskey consumers.”

Beth Squires

Beth Squires joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 after completing her university degree. Since then, she has acquired extensive knowledge about all aspects of whisk(e)y and now holds the position of Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. Beth is passionate about industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a special fondness for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth also serves as a whisky bottle investment specialist.

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