The Scotch Whisky Academy

The World’s First Scotch Whisky Evening Class The Advanced Scotch Whisky Trail Certificate Course

Specifically created by renowned Scotch Whisky writer, industry expert and Master of Malt, John Lamond, the course stretches over 8 weeks from Thursday 6th September, 2012 at 6.30 p.m. and covers the following:

6th September, 2012 Characteristics Arising from Distillation and Fermentation
An examination of the characteristics which arrive through foreshots and/or feints, metallic, sulphury and off-notes, their causes and manifestations. 2/3/4 distillations. What makes a good whisky? Beyond subjectivity. Group blind tasting organised by tutor

13th September, 2012 Beyond Maturation.
A look at wood types and the inherent characteristics of various oaks; what previous inhabitants of the casks give to or take from the whisky; storage conditions; “good” and “bad” results – too old and too youthful. Focus on one whisky with a look at various ages of that whisky. Students to bring three aromas in containers for class to identify blind. Group blind tasting organised by tutor and group note taking.

20th September, 2012 Regionalisation – Does it Exist?
An examination of the flavours inherent in the makes of various distilleries; identification of regional characteristics; examination of primary, secondary and tertiary flavours with comparison with Diageo’s map, S.W.R.I.’s wheel and John Lamond’s Aberlour Whisky Wheel. Individual blind tasting and group note taking.

27th September, 2012 Glasses and Their Influences
Comparison of Schott, Riedel & Glencairn. Different flavour characteristics emphasised by different glasses Blind tasting from various glassware

4th October, 2012 Brand and Craft
Examination of independent bottlers’ influences on flavour; chill-filtration; 40/43/46/cask strength; e150; grain species – yields versus flavour? Blind tasting of non-whisky spirits supplied by students and written appraisal of tasting.

11th October, 2012 Visit to Whisky Lab
Biochemistry & gas spectrometry – what are they looking for? Reduction water quality, either at cask filling or bottling. Water problems at the distillery – low or contamination.

18th October, 2012 Open Week
Each student to give a 10 minute presentation on some aspect of whisky. Followed by an open discussion and appraisal. Blind tasting with each student giving a detailed written appraisal of four whiskies.

25th October, 2012 The Market
How is it controlled? Is it controlled? Who controls it? Politics, trends, influence, the auction market – and fakes; other World Whiskies. Blind tastings – each student to give a verbal presentation for five minutes on their chosen sample.

***All students enrolling on the Advanced Whisky Course must previously have completed the Scotch Whisky Trail Certificate Course*** This course will take place within The Good Spirits Company, 23, Bath Street, Glasgow, G3 1HW To enrol, contact: John Lamond The Scotch Whisky Academy e-mail: enquiries@scotchwhiskyacademy.com