Glasgow-headquartered, The Whisky Ambassador, the creator of the world’s first accredited whisky training course, is lifting spirits during lockdown thanks to an innovative virtual classroom experience.
As the world adjusts to home-working The Whisky Ambassador has adapted its renowned training course in order for it to be enjoyed from the comfort of the couch.
Designed to instil a firm knowledge of tasting and selling Scotland’s national drink, The Whisky Ambassador aims to harness the drink’s popularity by increasing an understanding of the product throughout the drinks and hospitality sector, as well as among enthusiasts who can now also take part in the virtual course.
The new online programme cuts no corners as it mirrors the attention to detail that has led to its face-to-face counterpart being championed by the likes of Gleneagles Hotel and Glasgow’s Grand Central and Radisson Blu. The Whisky Ambassador have also trained staff at Turnberry, Archerfield House, and The Artisan Restaurant in Wishaw.
Each class, limited to 12 participants in order to encourage one-to-one interaction, will receive live tuition from a universally respected tutor. Where local conditions allow, each delegate will also receive a special delivery of vials of whisky to their door in order to enjoy the authentic experience of nosing and tasting sessions.
After brushing up on their knowledge, participants are then put through their paces with an exam, including a blind tasting which, if passed, is recognised with an industry-accredited qualification.
Ambassador for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Bob Wenting is preparing to deliver the first virtual classroom in The Netherlands on May 9 and 10, ahead of the global roll-out of the scheme.
Wenting’s vast experience in whisky and training, as co-founder of Maltstock and Whisky Ambassador Tutor for The Netherlands and Belgium, is testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering the highest standard of programme.
A second course has also been confirmed in Canada on June 9 and 10. The online accredited course will then be delivered from a host of landmark cities throughout the globe, including New York.
Jo Graham, The Whisky Ambassador Managing Director, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has stopped traditional face-to-face and experiential training in its tracks, but we have identified that the appetite for skills development is at an all-time high.
“With day-to-day life not as we know it, we are all continuing to adapt the way we go about our business, both personally and professionally. People across the world are keen to use lockdown as an opportunity to learn new skills or explore new interests – but crucially, without compromising on the quality of learning they would have normally been afforded.
“Education is what we are passionate about – instilling a knowledge and greater understanding of Scotland’s national drink. Therefore, if we couldn’t deliver the highest standard of learning online then we wouldn’t offer this programme at all.
“Our specially designed programme focuses heavily on hands-on tuition from the tutor, with every delegate encouraged to ask questions and gain as much knowledge as possible. This isn’t simply another webinar – this is proper classroom learning from your own home.”
Since its inception in 2012, The Whisky Ambassador course has been delivered to over 3,000 delegates from over 33 countries worldwide as its popularity continues to rise.
Despite the world-renowned history and heritage of Scotch, many remain ignorant of the finer details of the industry, including the production and character of the various whiskies.
But with licenced trainers across 33 countries on four different continents, The Whisky Ambassador continues to break boundaries and promote the strong international reputation of Scotch through a range of topics, ranging from the history and geography of the drink, to glassware, presentation and sales.
To book, visit: www.thewhiskyambassador.com/courses-training/
You can also email train@thewhiskyambassador.com for more information and for prices per location.