What’s covered in the Certificate in Irish Whiskey?

Ahead of launching the online Certificate in Irish Whiskey, here’s an overview of what you can expect to learn from the course material. Sign up here to register your interest and be the first to know when the course launches next week.

Irish whiskey history

Written by Irish whiskey expert Fionnán O’Connor, you will learn all about the fascinating history of distillation and understand how its industry arrived in Ireland. You'll discover the key historical dates and political decisions that have significantly impacted the spectacular rise, fall and rise again of Irish whiskey over the years.

The business of Irish whiskey

Here, you'll learn the legal definitions of Irish whiskey and discover the different roles around which the industry's business model revolves. You'll also explore the various strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by the industry in what is an exciting time for the international resurgence of Irish whiskey. (This, and the remaining modules are written by Irish whiskey expert Matt Healy.)

Production process

In this module, you'll learn more about the Irish whiskey production process, journeying from the agricultural grain in the field all the way through to the creation of alcohol in fermentation. Along the way, you'll discover the different technologies and machinery in use and understand how decision-making at each stage can affect flavour.

Pot still spirit production in Ireland

Here you’ll learn more about pot still Irish whiskey and what makes it so unique. Building on what you’ve learned already, you’ll discover some of the common processes particular to pot still production by both medium and larger scale distillers. You’ll also understand more about malt and grain spirit production on the island of Ireland.

Maturation

In this module, you will learn more about the regulations and requirements for maturing Irish whiskey, explore the exciting opportunities for experimentation through the allowance of non-oak maturation and explore the different warehousing systems in use across the island.

Blended Irish whiskey

Here you'll learn the definition of blended Irish whiskey, discover who is responsible for the art of blending and explore the differences between the four possible combinations within the blended Irish whiskey market.

Bottling & labelling requirements

From caramel colouring to chill filtration and marketing guidelines to misleading terms, you’ll discover how to decipher the various information listed on an Irish whiskey label.

Sensory analysis

Here you'll be guided through a sensory analysis – that is, a whiskey tasting – of the four major categories of whiskey in Ireland. Matt will talk you through blends, malts, single pot still whiskeys and single grain whiskeys, picking out the notes that are true to category and detailing where some of the more distinct flavours come from.

Assessment

The final assessment allows you to measure the knowledge you’ve distilled along the way. Upon completion, you’ll receive a downloadable certificate and digital badge (with a printed certificate and green lapel pin an optional extra).

Whether you’re just starting out on your journey in Irish whiskey or have been an enthusiast for some time, the Certificate in Irish Whiskey is perfect for improving your knowledge. Sign up here to register your interest and be the first to know when the course launches next week.