‘Master of Scotch’ course launched

The rigorous nature of the Master of Wine exams is well known, and now the Council of Whiskey Masters in LA has launched a ‘Master of Scotch’ qualification.

Single malt aficionados can now take the ‘Master of Scotch’ exams

Claiming to be the first set of “specialised and rigorous” qualifications dedicated to Scotch, the first level of the programme is the Certified Scotch Professional. The council will also offer a Certified Bourbon Professional course four times a year at exam centres in the US, Europe and Canada.

The one-hour exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. To pass, students must score over 80%. Successful students will receive a CSP or CBP ‘diploma’.

After completing level one, candidates can move up to level two, the Certified Whiskey Specialist course, which is due to launch later this year.

After that they can embark on the Master of Scotch course, which will launch next year, and/or the Master of Whiskey programme, which will launch in 2021.

Both courses will include a specialised focus on blind tasting, alongside a detailed theory exam.

“With growing interest in Scotch and Bourbon, drinks professionals can demonstrate their dedication to and expertise in whiskey through a demanding course and examination from anywhere in the world,” the course provider said.

The terms ‘Master of Scotch’ and ‘Master of Whiskey’ are currently pending protection from the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Once the first 10 Masters of Scotch have made the grade, they will join the Council of Whiskey Masters and lead subsequent courses. The examinations will take place in Lexington, Kentucky, or Inverness, Scotland.