In short, a Whiskey Sommelier is a term made up by some marketing folks in Texas who run a thing called the Wizard Academy (aka The Whisk(e)y Marketing School). It isn’t endorsed by or accredited by any other reputable industry association. It has zero association with the actual Court of Master Sommeliers and to become a Whiskey Sommelier zero prior knowledge of whisk(e)y is needed. It’s a $4,000 “certification” you obtain in a weekend, not one you earn after years of work and study like a real Sommelier.
To earn your level 1 Sommelier (the wine kind that’s been around for decades) it takes a minimum of 3-4 years of study to pass 2 series of exams spaced a year apart. As you go up the ranks, the time, dedication and knowledge needed increases. As does the failure rate; only 9 people have ever passed the Master Sommelier exam on their first attempt.
A certified Sommelier title is earned, not bought, and is a mark of achieving a specific level of knowledge and professionalism. You do have to pay a fee ($600+) to take your tests. These tests are administered by Master Sommeliers with decades of experience.
A Whiskey Sommelier “certification” on the other hand is more-or-less something you buy. Pay your $4,000, show up for a 2-day seminar and leave a certified “Whiskey Somm”. No prior knowledge, work or dedication needed.
That’s some dandy marketing speak, but culturally that’s not what a Sommelier signifies; it’s synonymous with expertise not with being a novice. If it was, it wouldn’t be a professional career and the Wizard Academy wouldn’t be appropriating the term. When you go to a restaurant you don’t expect the Somm recommending a wine to be someone with a weekend certification. And this is where my problem with the appropriation of the Sommelier term begins.
They could have used any other term, something vastly more appropriate like “Whiskey Appreciator” or “Certified Whiskey Beginner”, but it seems they chose Whiskey Sommelier because of its cultural connotation. It’s a lazy shortcut to give a grander meaning to a weekend course in public speaking and storytelling that has some whiskey info threaded through.
That associated cultural prestige is why they can take advantage of people and charge them $4K to get in and $12K total to “graduate” at level 5. No one pays that much to learn “fundamentals”, they pay for the title… even if it is meaningless and not recognized or taken seriously in the industry it’s meant for.
A whiskey sommelier, or whisky sommelier, is a trained and knowledgeable whiskey expert who makes your whiskey more enjoyable.
So what else should I do with this $12K burning a hole in my pocket?
If you’re actually serious about learning about whiskey and you’re not just looking for shortcuts via vanity titles and gaudy medallions it’s really simple. Buy some good whiskey books, read them, buy the whiskey they talk about and share and discuss it with your friends.
$4,000 can buy you a nice set of books and a good set of whiskeys. $12K can buy you a great set of whiskeys and allow you to travel to distilleries where you can talk to people who actually do this for a living. People who have done it for decades and impart info that only comes with experience.
What you’ll get out these kinds of real-world experiences – with friends, family, other knowledgable drinkers and industry vets – is invaluable.
What Whiskey Certifications Exist Besides Whiskey Sommelier?
I’ve already touched on a couple, but there are plenty of Whiskey Sommelier “certification” alternatives out there that are A) cheaper, B) accredited or endorsed by other reputable organizations C) are recognized in the industry and D) Taught by actual industry veterans.
Edinburgh Whisky Academy The course work has been accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority, ie it’s a quality education. And it only costs about $725 to get.
It’s staffed and taught by people who have decades of experience in the industry. You can rest assured they’re not just regurgitating something they read or watched on YouTube. They’re teaching from actual experience.
Their key certification is the Diploma In Single Malt, but they have several other classes including an intro you can take online.
Society of Wine Educators They offer 10 levels of learning for their Certified Specialist of Spirits and tests range from $525 – $800+. If you want a certification that means something in the industry start here. Their programs are sponsored and endorsed by the biggest names in the industry.
Certified Bourbon Steward Founded in 2014, the Stave & Thief Society has the only industry-recognized bourbon certification. It was deemed so robust that the Kentucky Distiller’s Association has fully backed it as their “official bourbon education course”. It was created by the Distilled Spirits Epicenter (DSE) which is staffed by actual experts in distilling, bourbon history and the hospitality industry.
Also, there is the actual Sommelier certification. Real certified Sommeliers need to have a working knowledge of all major spirits and sake.
There are several other programs out there that are either accredited or endorsed by other reputable organizations and/or recognized in the industry. All of them will cost a fraction of the price for a Whiskey Sommelier level 1. Do some research and find the one that aligns with your goals.
How To Taste (and describe) Whiskey
FAQ
What are whisky tasters called?
What do you call a professional whiskey taster?
What do you call a bourbon taster?
What is the liquor equivalent of a sommelier?
Does whiskey taste alcohol?
If you’re thinking, I taste alcohol, that’s fine! Whiskey has alcohol in it. However, a few stabs at tasting might bring out new flavors for you. When you feel like you’ve gotten a good taste of the whiskey, swallow it.
Whiskey vs Bourbon: Which is healthier?
Alcoholic beverages do not have any positive health effects. Though alcohol has 7 kilo calories of energy per ml, they contain no other essential nutrients, making it one of the sources of empty calories. Besides, alcohol present in both whiskey and bourbon, adds additional load on the liver and kidney to metabolize and leave the system. Alcohol is the major culprit for liver diseases and induces fetal defects in pregnant women.
How do you taste whiskey?
When whiskey tasting, use a swirling technique to coat the side of the whiskey glass and bring it closer to take a whiff. While opening their mouth slightly, the taster should whiff the whiskey. The aromas the taster smells can tell a great deal about what they’re about to experience when taking their first taste of whiskey.
What does a whisky smell like?
A whisky can contain more or less of these highly volatile top notes (a term that is often used in perfuming). If you smell strong top notes on the nose that are enjoyable and fruity, the scents are likely coming from esters.