2025 March: World of Whisky Level 1

Overview

• History and Practical Knowledge of the primary whisky regions from around the world including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Japan (written test requiring 75% passing grade)
• Public Speaking and Storytelling
• Palate competency training and deductive tasting

The World of Whisky
A discussion of whiskies made across the world. You will hear the history, learn the stories, and taste the end results. When you walk away, you will be able to hold a knowledgeable discussion with any whisky drinker anywhere in the world.
The Art of Public Speaking
We will teach you the fine art of getting and holding attention, storytelling, and creating a confident presentation of the deep, broad knowledge you hold in your head. Passing on the passion and romance of whisky is all about stories.
Marketing of Upscale Products
How do you sell upscale products or services, especially in our changing economy? The same way successful people always have: with language that has a sense of glamor, mystery, and magic; with messaging that doesn’t just tell people “what,” or “how,” but strongly communicates “why.” We will take you through this section focused on writing and communicating the glamor of whisky.
Deductive Tasting
We introduce you to the science and art of deductive tasting. You will use these fundamentals to begin building a catalog of whisky scents, tastes, and historical palate references.

FORMAL SYLLABUS:

Course Title: World of Whisky Level One
Course Duration: 2 days
Grading Policy:
– Written Test on Whisky history, production, and styles: 70% passing grade required minimum on written test.
– Class Participation: evaluated by instructors
– Deductive Tasting Assignments: evaluated by instructors

Course Description:
This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of whisky, its history, production methods, and the art of communicating its nuances effectively. Students will explore the primary whisky regions from around the world, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, the United States, and Japan. The course will also cover public speaking and storytelling, marketing of upscale products, and deductive tasting as well as palate competency training.

Course Objectives:
– Develop a deep knowledge of the history and practical knowledge of whisky regions worldwide as well as methods of production in all major whisky regions
– Enhance public speaking and storytelling skills to effectively communicate whisky-related information.
– Develop palate competency and deductive tasting abilities.
– Understand the marketing strategies and techniques used to promote upscale whisky products.
– Build a catalog of whisky scents, tastes, and historical palate references.
– Understand the difference between knowledge and connection, between gurus and shepherds.

Course Outline:
DAY ONE:

Class Introductions

Deductive Tasting session 1: grain style comparisons

Segment 1 – : Introduction to brain science and the art of communication
– Overview of the course and its objectives
– Introduction to brain science and sensory understanding

Deductive Tasting session 2: grain style comparisons

Segment 2 – : Whisky History
– Intro to the origins of whisky in all the major regions of the world

Deductive  Tasting session 3: grain style comparisons

Segment 3 – : Whisky And the Science of Food Pairing
– Intro into the categories and science of food pairing
– The history of food science and how chemistry and sensory development in food overlap with whisky

Deductive  Tasting session 4: grain style comparisons

Segment 4 – : Whisky in Scotland
– Intro into the major historical markers of whisky in Scotland
– overview of the primary production and product category styles

Deductive Tasting session 5: country style comparisons

Segment 5 – : Whiskey in Ireland
– Intro into the major historical markers of whiskey in Ireland
– overview of the primary production and product category styles

Deductive Tasting session 6: country style comparisons

Segment 6 – : Whisky in USA
– Intro into the major historical markers of whiskey in United States
– overview of the primary production and product category styles

Segment 7 – : Improv Public Speaking Exercise
– improv exercise to develop techniques and practice for public speaking

DAY TWO:

Deductive Tasting session 7: country style comparisons

Segment 8 – : Whisky in Canada
– Intro into the major historical markers of whisky in Canada
– overview of the primary production and product category styles

Deductive Tasting session 8: country style comparisons

Segment 9 – : Whisky in Japan
– Intro into the major historical markers of whisky in Japan
– overview of the primary production and product category styles

Deductive Tasting session 9: internal style comparisons by country

WRITTEN TEST

Segment 10 – : Marketing Writing and Advertising Communication
– Intro to writing as it relates to advertising and marketing
– Writing exercises and training for brevity and clarity in communication

Deductive Tasting session 10: internal style comparisons by country

Segment 11 – : Public Speaking
– In depth instruction in the art of public speaking
– Overview of event planning and running

Deductive Tasting session 11: internal style comparisons by country

Segment 12 – : Wrap up with Encouragement and Challenge

Deductive Tasting session 12: internal style comparisons by country

GRADUATION / WRAP-UP

Note: This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.