Focus on Flavour
Tax included
Master the intricacies of whisky flavour from raw materials to the final sip, learning how to attach key flavours to the part of the process in which they are likely to have developed.
Focus on Flavour is a theory-based module packed with practical tips that will deepen your understanding of the flavours found in Scotch whisky.
From the fundamental ingredients to crucial processes of mashing and fermentation, pot stills and distillation methods to maturation, dilution and chill filtration, you’ll come away equipped with the knowledge to truly appreciate just how many ways the character of the spirit and be shaped throughout the process. Every future dram will become a puzzle that you’re one step closer to solving.
At the end, you can test your newfound knowledge with a multiple-choice quiz designed to reinforce your learning and ensure you’re ready to apply your skills in real-world whisky tasting scenarios.
Welcome & Overview
Raw Materials
Discover the fundamental ingredients that form the backbone of Scotch whisky. Understand the role of barley, water and yeast and how their quality and characteristics influence the final flavour profile of the whisky.
Mashing & Fermentation
Delve into the crucial processes of mashing and fermentation. Learn how the transformation of raw materials during these stages sets the stage for the development of complex flavours and how different techniques can lead to varying taste outcomes.
Pot Stills & Distillation
Explore the art of distillation and the importance of pot stills in crafting Scotch whisky. Gain insight into how distillation shapes the flavour and character of the spirit and the significance of the distiller’s skill in this intricate process.
Maturation
Uncover the secrets of maturation, where whisky gains its depth and complexity. Understand the influence of different types of casks, aging conditions and maturation time on the flavour profile, creating the unique characteristics of each whisky.
Dilution & Chill Filtration
Learn about the final stages of whisky production, including dilution and chill filtration. Discover how these processes affect the clarity, texture and flavour of the whisky, preparing it for bottling and consumption.
The Scotch Whisky Tasting Toolkit
Equip yourself with the essential tools and techniques for professional whisky tasting. From the correct glassware to advanced tasting methods, this section ensures you have everything you need to fully appreciate and evaluate Scotch whisky.
Quiz
Test your knowledge with our comprehensive quiz. This final assessment will reinforce your learning, ensuring you’re ready to apply your understanding of whisky flavour in practical tasting scenarios.
What candidates say
It's a really user-friendly system and the structure works very well. I work in the whisky industry, so much of the content was familiar, but I nonetheless learned some new things! Very comprehensive overview; whets the appetite to do more in-depth course(s).
Martin Bell
UK
I thought the whole event was very planned. From the booking to communication and the experienced tutors they have teaching the course. This was a far more in depth than I imagined it would be and I learnt a lot about the nuances of wood and still.
Jass Patel
UK
Excellent content, well presented. Worth every penny! The reference material is easy to understand and thorough. This course has a good set of materials and the instructions for experience and study are excellent.
Susan Proctor
USA
