Bourbon certification programme goes virtual

Industry-recognised Bourbon certification provider Stave and Thief Society has launched an online version of its flagship Executive Bourbon Steward training course.

By Melita Kiely

The course had previously only been available via in-person classes at Moonshine University in Louisville, Kentucky, in the US.

Now, the two-tier certification can be completed virtually.

Colin Blake, Moonshine University’s director of spirits education, said: “When we made the decision to take our executive training online, we did take pandemic-related challenges into consideration; however, the truth is, we have been thinking about offering a virtual experience for much longer.

“While Covid-19 certainly quickened the pace of this release, our mission has always been to make Bourbon education as accessible and inclusive as possible – and virtual learning is another way we can deliver on that promise.”

The educational distillery was purpose-built to deliver hands-on training for spirits producers.

In 2014, Moonshine University formed an advisory panel of specialists, historians and leaders in distilling and hospitality. Led by the university, the panel developed the curriculum for the Stave and Thief Society, which is still the only certification endorsed by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association as its ‘official Bourbon education course’.

Stave and Thief Society offers two levels of education. The first – Certified Bourbon Steward – requires independent study of the society’s Bourbon handbook and passing an online test.

Part two is the Executive Bourbon Steward certification, which requires a virtual or in-person hands-on, day-long class where students use the university’s classroom, distillery, sensory library and beverage laboratory.

David Dafoe, founder and CEO of beverage development firm Flavorman and Moonshine University, said: “Our mission has always been to promote and uphold Bourbon’s unique and distinguished culture by preparing our stewards to deliver an authentic Bourbon experience.

“The successes of our Bourbon stewards, along with the world-class reputation that Stave and Thief Society has garnered over the years, are confirmation that we’re getting it right.”

Last year, the Edinburgh Whisky Academy made its flagship single malt whisky diploma available online.