The new Academy, which is fully accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), is the first centre of learning for whisky education.
The Academy was specifically created to fill a vital gap in Scotch whisky education and is developing a range of short courses, with the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky the first to be launched.
Further diplomas in the Art of Tasting Whisky and Blended Whiskies will follow early 2017.
Picture: Edinburgh Whisky Academy
Founder and Managing Director Kirsty McKerrow has long been aware of the need for independent qualifications in the whisky industry, she said “The two-day diplomas, written and delivered by independent industry experts are compact and in-depth and will provide a true and factual grounding for whisky knowledge“
Kirsty has whisky production rooted in her family history – her forefathers started Mackinlay's, the family blended whisky, in the early 1800s.
Kirsty entered the industry as Nordic Brand Ambassador for Möet Hennessy’s whiskies, Glenmorangie and Ardbeg, based in Sweden.
Seven years ago she established her own whisky consultancy, returning to Scotland in 2015 to launch the Edinburgh Whisky Academy.
Picture: Edinburgh Whisky Academy
Kirsty said: “Until now, there was no recognised independent qualification at vocational level in the whisky industry. Of great importance is that the knowledge gained is totally impartial and neutral from any distillery or brand.
"The Diplomas will be welcomed by whisky industry workers, hospitality staff and spirits retailers and also by whisky enthusiasts keen to expand their knowledge”
Respected whisky expert Vic Cameron is the course lecturer for the diplomas and has contributed his vast industry knowledge to their content, he said: “The Edinburgh Whisky Academy is a much needed independent authority on the facts about Scotch whisky. The SQA accredited diplomas provide true knowledge and information on all aspects of Scotch whisky history and production.
"They have been developed with the close involvement of notable experts within the whisky industry with each expert providing content for the individual modules according to their specialisms, ensuring the relevance and high standard of the diplomas.”
• The Edinburgh Whisky Academy is launching the Diploma in Single Malt on 20th September at Arniston House.
