Scotland now has a scheme to grade bar staff on their whisky knowledge, called The Whisky Ambassador. It aims to improve knowledge of whisky among bar staff and enhance profitability for licensees.
The scheme is a first in that it is not brand affiliated, and is the UK’s only accredited whisky training and CPD award, backed by VisitScotland.
The Whisky Ambassador is the brainchild of whisky connoisseur, Victor Brierley, who runs Glasgow Whisky Tours. He said, “The idea struck me as I was astounded at how patchy bar staff’s knowledge was of our national drink. Sommeliers can espouse about wine, mixologists about cocktails, but there is no whisky counterpart in the home of Scotch whisky.
“Bar staff should be able to talk the complexities of whisky. They should be knowledgeable and confident enough to upsell too.”
His associates in the scheme are Sue Beatt, who comes from a learning and development background, and Jo Graham, a licensee.
The training scheme takes place over a day and costs £199, and will award bar staff the title of Whisky Ambassador after sitting an exam.
It also aims to boost sales of independent whiskies and luxury malts not widely stocked in bars.
The Whisky Ambassador is working towards accreditation by the BII and will go towards part of the bartender’s Individual Learning Account. Anyone earning less than £22,000 can get the training paid for by the Government.
The Whisky Ambassador
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