School is back in session for the youth in our community. Many adults take continuing education courses to maintain their licenses. I signed up for a whiskey course as something fun to do the first time. It ended up building my confidence and showed me that I did know quite a bit about whiskey and the distilling process. It confirmed what I had learned through passionate observation. Little did I know that the first course, Bourbon Steward, a Moonshine University course, offered by the Bourbon Women’s Association – Texas Chapter and hosted at Garrison Brothers’ Distillery, would be the start of a new career path for me. This experience made me feel proud of my knowledge and inspired me to keep learning.
I had been a long-time viewer of the Whiskey Vault and Whiskey Tribe YouTube channels. I was fully aware of the whiskey sommelier program offered by the Wizard Academy, where the Whiskey Vault is located. I had made numerous friends who had participated in the sommelier program and had encouraged me to do the same. They were confident I would be successful.
Wizard Academy, located in Austin, Texas, offers engaging whiskey programs, including its renowned Whiskey Sommelier course. Having completed three of the four levels myself, I can attest to the quality of its instruction. The campus, with on-site housing, catered meals, a working distillery at Crowded Barrel, and the famous whiskey vault with over 3,000 bottles, creates an inspiring environment for industry professionals and enthusiasts eager to deepen their knowledge. I encourage you to explore these programs and discover how they can ignite your passion for spirits.
Walking onto campus for the first time as a student was surreal. I had been planning it for a few years, but life kept pushing it to the side. I knew the instructors and the campus, and I thought I knew what to expect. My friends did not prepare me for some of the adventures and memories I was about to make. My confidence in knowing whiskey and being able to speak on the topic was blooming.
Staying at the Engelbrecht house on the WA campus offers a unique opportunity to connect with others, both inside and outside the classroom. The well-stocked kitchen provides breakfast, snacks, and adult beverages to loosen up conversation and encourage discussion. The mornings begin with an uphill journey to the tower. The pathway leads to the tower at Wizard Academy (WA) and the legendary Chapel Dulcinea. Chapel Dulcinea is a beautiful location where hundreds of couples take their next steps together every year. Students and couples preparing to be married pass through a gate bearing a plaque: “Many adventures await you upon the road of life. Enter this gate and take your first step.” I always read it and remind myself that this is my adventure on my road of life, one I never expected to be on, but I’m enjoying every moment! At a fork in the road, the chapel lies to the left and the tower to the right. The tower itself holds mystical powers. Each level represents Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, with the classroom and the whiskey vault on the same level. Art and symbolism are found all over campus, waiting to be discovered during wanderings that lead to inspiration. You can hear the chapel bells ringing in celebration of the newlyweds throughout the day.
Returning to campus each time for whiskey coursework feels like coming home, a place you always belong. Reuniting with everyone in the Engelbrecht kitchen, the evening before class starts, is always filled with sharing whiskey from all over. Laughter and stories fill the air. Whiskey-related problems can be brainstormed for consideration when returning home. This sense of community makes the learning experience more meaningful and enjoyable.
Moonshine University has been a cornerstone of the distilled spirits industry for fourteen years. There was a recent announcement that its program will end at year’s end, which highlights a major industry shift and the importance of seeking alternative educational resources. Over 300 distilleries benefited from its courses, and its Bourbon Steward program was essential for distillery staff to ensure accurate customer information. Their Bourbon Steward programs helped introduce people to the basic rules of bourbon, helping dispel the myths and falsehoods that continue to be spread. The industry is mourning this loss, prompting questions about how to continue learning in this evolving landscape.
Edinburgh Whisky Academy (EWA) offers an accredited program through the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), providing recognized certifications across the industry. Their programs in whisky, gin, sensory analysis, and other areas of the adult beverage industry can help prospective students and professionals build confidence in their expertise and advance their careers. The course catalog is impressive and growing with the spirits industry. The prestigious programs have opened my experiences in Irish and Sensory so far. I am excited to continue working my way through
Other programs, such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), The Council of Whiskey Masters, and many others, offer a wide variety of educational approaches and materials focused on the distilled spirits industry rather than whiskey alone. Research which one aligns best with your interests and start your educational path today to build a solid foundation and expand your knowledge in the spirits industry.
You never have to settle for a single program when choosing your professional learning path. Many mix and match to focus on different aspects as their careers or passions progress. Others focus on one path and become educators for that program. Hopefully, one day you will decide to find the magic at Wizard Academy and start your adventure by reading, “Many adventures await you upon the road of life. Enter this gate and take your first step.”
“Many adventures await you upon the road of life. Enter this gate and take your first step.”
Renita Reavis has shared her whiskey education with readers before in A Trip of a Lifetime – Edinburgh, Scotland and Mashbills – The Agricultural Recipe for Whiskey. For more spirits coverage, read Navigating the Whiskey Shelf.
