Quick links for first time visitors:
Enroll for our Level 1, Scotch track, certification and become a Certified Scotch Professional.
Enroll for our Level 1 Bourbon track, certification and become a Certified Bourbon Professional.
Receive great benefits and access by signing up for our Membership Program.

For currently enrolled CSP, CBP and CWS candidates:
2025 Master of Scotch and Master of Bourbon exam registration is now open, for April 22-25, 2025 in Texas.
Our 2024 Master exams took place in Western Scotland this April of 2024, with a record number of candidates from around the world. Judges included Charles MacLean, Dave Broom, Steve Beal, and many more.

The Council of Whiskey Masters is the world’s leading education and certification body for whiskey expertise, covering Scotch, Bourbon, and more.

The Council of Whiskey Masters was established to define and uphold a new set of education standards among sommeliers and spirits professionals, offering credentials in the field of whiskey that are equivalent to the well-established designations in the world of wine.

The certification program consists of 4 levels, with Levels I and II conducted remotely / online. Levels III and IV are delivered in-person.

Prior to the founding of the Council, there had been no worldwide education and certification body or program dedicated to the wider beverage category of whiskey—the finest of all spirits.

Learn more, and start with one of our Level I credentials: Certified Scotch Professional (CSP) and Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP).

Upon passing Level I, candidates can move to the Level II credential, covering the whole world of whiskey, beyond Scotland and America: Certified Whiskey Specialist (CWS).

Our Master-level exams are: Level III, Master of Scotch or Master of Bourbon, and finally Level IV, Master of Whiskey.

The Council also maintains a vibrant Membership Program, offering benefits to all whiskey lovers.

The Leading Education Programs for Scotch, Bourbon, and the other Global Whiskeys.Available for aspiring and established spirits professionals located anywhere in the world.Designed, guided and endorsed by the most respected whisk(e)y authorities fr…

Learn about Whiskey: The Leading Education Programs for Scotch, Bourbon, and the other Global Whiskeys.

Available for aspiring and established spirits professionals located anywhere in the world, through online testing.

Designed, guided and endorsed by the most respected whisk(e)y and spirits authorities from 4 continents.

Today, the most widely recommended and trusted certification program on whiskey, globally.

Helping aspiring as well as seasoned whiskey specialists to reach the highest possible knowledge & competence levels.

Certification candidates are located in more than 40 countries. The Council is 100% independent, with the sole focus to deliver the most relevant and accepted study program in the industry, based on a rigorous study curriculum that requires intensive study and dedication. Our Advisory Board consists of 30+ of the most respected individuals in all of whiskey, making the Council certifications a globally recognized set of spirits qualifications. Our remote-friendly learning options allow for effective whiskey education online.

The world of whiskey is rich in the potential for knowledge and ability, and has long needed a legitimate training and career path that a formal study & exam program can best help establish. Interested individuals from around the globe should have access to a viable path that allows starting and building out a career in whiskey. Our tiered study & examination program aims to fill this gap.

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Join a vibrant group of current certification candidates who already cover more than 30 countries, representing 6 continents, all regions of Europe, the British Isles, Asia and all 50 states in the USA. We provide every individual, in all countries, with an unrivaled opportunity to become a legitimate whiskey professional.

Benefits: Each successful candidate receives the lifelong right to carry the certification title, and its postnominals. Physical as well as digital diplomas, plus lapel pins, are sent to all candidates upon passing. Candidates enjoy a variety of networking and career opportunities, in addition to a more complete ability to enjoy and analyze the spirit. The Council's study materials have been praised by many of the leading professionals in the world, and the Council's prominent Advisory Board lends great credibility to the organization and its graduates.

Our Educational Programs and Certifications

Master of Whiskey Bourbon Scotch Certification Exam 4 Levels

Take a 5-question SAMPLE QUIZ HERE to get a sense for the Scotch exam.
See your score immediately. The Bourbon exam has a similar difficulty level.
Not reaching 5/5 yet? Our study guide will prepare you perfectly. Enroll below.

Also consider our new membership program, with incredible access and savings benefits.
MEMBERSHIP IN THE SOCIETY OF WHISKEY MASTERS: REVIEW THE BENEFITS HERE
Lower cost for whiskey and glassware, access to all main whiskey magazines, local networking and involvement… review our list of 10 unbeatable advantages for every whiskey lover and professional.

The Council’s Fleet of Designations & Lapel Pins

Our demanding level 1 certification offers 2 tracks: Scotch (CSP) and Bourbon (CBP).
Global whisk(e)y knowledge is then integrated with our level 2 (CWS) credential.

 
 

We offer Master levels for both the Scotch and the Bourbon track, representing our famous level 3.
Global mastery is earned via level 4, “Master of Whiskey”, or in the alternative spelling "Master of Whisky”.

 
 

The Council’s latest foray into the wider world of spirits sets the new standard for professional judges.
Our “Certified Spirits Judge” credential (CSJ) prepares for roles in spirits competitions and evaluation.

 
 

“The Council of Whiskey Masters sets the highest global standard for knowledge and competence in the field of whiskey in general, and Scotch as well as Bourbon in particular. Its study and certification programs are the industry gold standard.”

Explore the Program Details

 

Level I: Certified Scotch Professional (CSP), now enrolling for immediate start.
or Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP), now enrolling for immediate start.

Level II: Certified Whiskey Specialist (CWS), now enrolling for immediate start.

Level III: Master of Scotch, now enrolling for April 2025 exam at Garrison Bros Distillery, Texas.
or Master of Bourbon, now enrolling for April 2025 exam in Texas.

Level IV: Master of Whiskey, now enrolling for April 2025 exam in Texas.

Our separate Spirits Judge qualification (CSJ) provides pro-level spirits evaluation skills.

 
 
 
 

The Council of Whiskey Masters claims global trademark (™) protection of the terms “Master of Scotch”, “Master of Bourbon”, “Master of Whiskey”, and the other certification titles issued by the Council. No use is permitted without written permission of the Council.

The Council observes both the ‘whiskey’ as well as the ‘whisky’ spellings, as there are various reasons for using either. As an American organization, the Council generally uses “whiskey”, but candidates are located anywhere in the world, and the diplomas will be issued under the preference of each candidate, e.g., “Master of Whisky” or “Master of Whiskey”, and “Certified Whisky Specialist” or “Certified Whiskey Specialist”.

 

Would you like advice, or want to find out how our certification program can help your passion/career?
Our competent office team can give clear insight. All our team members are whiskey professionals.
Enter you phone number below to request a callback, or enter your email and question to get a written reply.

Statements from Successful Candidates in the CSP, CBP and CWS Courses:

 
How to Become a Whiskey Sommelier

“Internationally recognized, respected and endorsed by the best people and institutions in the world of whisk(e)y.”

Perspectives from Advisory Board Members at The Council of Whiskey Masters:

 
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Level I

Certified Scotch Professional (CSP)

—or—

Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP)

The Council’s challenging Level I certifications are the respected benchmark in professional level Scotch and Bourbon expertise. The Level I program allows candidates to focus either on Scotch or Bourbon—becoming knowledgeable in the great single malts of Scotland, or in the important grain spirits of the United States. Passing either Level I program is a prerequisite for enrollment in Level II.

Enrollment in the Certified Scotch Professional (CSP) and Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP) programs is now open! Review program details, sample questions and registration info here for the CSP and here for the CBP.


 
 
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Level II

Certified Whiskey Specialist (CWS)


The Council’s rigorous Level II professional certification is the gold standard credential in global whiskey competence. All Level II candidates must have previously passed either the Certified Scotch Professional (CSP) or the Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP) exam. The Certified Whiskey Specialist (CWS) exam covers both Scotch and Bourbon in detail, as well as important whiskeys from Japan, Ireland and Canada.

Those Scotch or Bourbon professionals who pass the Level II exam demonstrate the theoretical foundations to proceed to master level study (Levels III & IV).

This certification is now open for enrollment HERE.

We realize that the beverage class of “whisk(e)y” is subject to different spellings in depending on the region. For that reason, we allow each successful candidate to choose either the spelling “Certified Whiskey Specialist” or “Certified Whisky Specialist” for their printed diploma. Both spellings are also approved for their use.

 
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Levels III & IV

Embarking on the master-level programs represents a life-long commitment to Scotch, Bourbon, or to whiskeys in general. Passing the exams constitutes the most challenging achievement in the professional life of a fine spirits expert.

The main difference between the Level II: Certified Whiskey Specialist program and the two master-level programs is the intimate knowledge the latter requires of the most important producers and their leading bottlings. While Level II requires outstanding knowledge of theory, Levels III & IV require significant experience in blind tasting and individual producer and bottling styles.

Master of Scotch™ | Master of Bourbon™

In addition to a rigorous written exam, candidates for the Master of Scotch designation must demonstrate the ability to recognize classical selections in a rigorous blind tasting—including their region, aging and finishing. Candidates’ blind tasting findings are presented orally to a panel of examiners, which also assesses the candidate’s communication skills and use of appropriate terms.

Those who would like to specialize in Scotch only will have reached their final designation after passing the Level III exam. For those who would like to reach the pinnacle of the Council’s certification programs, the Level III: Master of Scotch credential serves as the prerequisite to the broader Level IV: Master of Whiskey title.

In addition to the Master of Scotch designation, a separate Master of Bourbon designation is also offered, see Level III: Master of Bourbon. Enrollment for the on-site Master exams is currently open HERE for Scotch, and HERE for Bourbon.

Master of Whiskey™

The Master of Whiskey designations builds on the Master of Scotch or Master of Bourbon title demanding mastery of all other global whiskeys, in addition to a complete understanding of Scotch/Bourbon and its distillers and bottlings.

Some candidates may choose the spelling “Master of Whisky” instead of “Master of Whiskey”. We will issue the graduation diploma according to their preference.

* * *

All master-level examinations take place annually, usually in spring, in-person and on-site, in the United States (in odd years) or in Scotland (in even years). Enrollment for the on-site Master of Whiskey exams is currently open HERE. You need to be either Master of Scotch or Master of Bourbon to enroll.

Our Master-level study programs were first offered in 2022. For the first two years of the program, exam panels were overseen by individual Keepers and Masters of the Quaich (among other senior whisky experts) who have earned significant honors in the world of Scotch.

Now that the Council of Whiskey Masters has produced a critical mass of Masters, those Masters of Scotch, Masters of Bourbon, and Masters of Whiskey have joined The Council of Whiskey Masters as full members and lead the Master examinations together with the members of the Council’s Advisory Board.

 
 
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LAUNCH RELEASE SUMMER 2019:

New Scotch and Bourbon Study & Certification Program Announced

The Council of Whiskey Masters, based in Los Angeles, is introducing a dedicated certification program for whiskey professionals. Two separate Level 1 tracks, Certified Scotch Professional (CSP) and Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP), are now open for student enrollment.

While several organizations offer credentialing programs for spirits, no specialized and rigorous self-study program has been available globally for Scotch or Bourbon, nor for whiskey in general. The new whiskey credentialing program provides a value that was missing so far, and adds to the range of already well-known and respected wine specialist and sommelier credentials. 

With growing interest in Scotch and Bourbon, beverage professionals and hobbyists can demonstrate their dedication to and expertise in whiskey through a demanding course of study and examination, from anywhere in the world. 

To prepare for the exam, candidates enrolled in the CSP or CBP programs (Level 1) receive a detailed 100-page study guide. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, with an exam time of one hour. To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a score of 80% or above. Exam dates are offered weekly via a secure online option, and the exam can be taken anywhere in the world as long as internet and phone access are in place. Candidates receive a diploma and a lapel pin upon passing the exam and may carry the corresponding post-nominal after their names.

Passing either Level 1 exam (Scotch track or Bourbon track) allows candidates to register for the comprehensive Certified Whiskey Specialist (CWS; Level 2) exam, and they can later proceed to the Master of Scotch (SM, Level 3) and Master of Whiskey (WM, Level 4) levels. 

Program and registration information as well as curriculum overview and sample exam questions can be found at www.WhiskeyMasters.org. Contact email: Office@WhiskeyMasters.org


SUMMARY: Study and Certification Program

Level 1: Certified Scotch Professional™ (CSP), OR Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP)

Level 2: Certified Whiskey Specialist™ (CWS)

Level 3: Master of Scotch™, OR Master of Bourbon™

Level 4: Master of Whiskey™

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COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS Announces Inaugural Advisory Board Members 

THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS, a U.S. education and certification body for expertise in whisk(e)y, has published the full list of individuals joining the organization’s Advisory Board.

THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS has recently launched a 4-level study & certification program for aspiring and established whiskey professionals. Level 1 of the program provides an introduction to the world of whiskey, via a Scotch track or a Bourbon track. After earning either the “Certified Scotch Professional” (CSP) or “Certified Bourbon Professional” (CBP) designation of Level 1, candidates can pursue comprehensive and global whiskey knowledge by sitting for the Level 2 exam leading to the “Certified Whiskey Specialist” (CWS) designation. Level 2 will provide a detailed treatment of Irish, Canadian and Japanese whiskey, in addition to full coverage of Scotch and American whiskey. From there, candidates can move to the “Master of Scotch”, “Master of Bourbon” and “Master of Whiskey” levels to demonstrate their lifetime dedication and highest competence in the beverage class. 

Within the first month of program launch, close to 100 candidates from 30 countries have enrolled in the study program. The study materials and exam content for the program are derived 100% from the written works of Advisory Board members. Registration for the Level 1 exams as well as the Level 2 exam is now available. All study materials are provided by the program, and the exams can be taken anywhere in the world through an efficient online process.

Creating the best chances for this program to become a gold standard in demonstrating and signaling whiskey competence, the organization has called upon some of the world’s most respected authorities in whiskey to provide guidance, share relationships as well as best practices, and to support ongoing stability. Members share a vision of achieving an integrated education path for the wider world of whiskey, based on independent, relevant and objective knowledge standards.

The list of inaugural Advisory Board members can be found on our ABOUT page.