Frequently Asked Questions

No. Level One is built as a foundation, it assumes curiosity, not expertise. Whether you've never done a formal tasting or you've been in the industry for years, the program starts with the fundamentals and builds from there.

The full certification includes all 10 modules, the Level One final exam, a certificate, and an official AWS lapel pin. Individual modules give you the same in-depth instruction on one subject, but without the exam or certification, those are only awarded to participants who complete the full 10-module program.

The Sensory & Tasting track includes hands-on tasting exercises, and you'll get the most out of them with a few bottles on hand, the course recommends starting with 2–3 bourbons you already enjoy. The Science & Production and History & Economics tracks are fully informational and don't require any tasting to complete.

Yes. The History & Economics track and most of the Science & Production track are entirely informational. The Sensory & Tasting track is built around guided tasting exercises, so those modules will be most useful to participants who plan to taste along.

Yes! You must be of legal drinking age wherever you live and plan on taking this course.

It's entirely self-paced. Most participants spend more time on the Sensory & Tasting modules, since they include outside tasting practice, and move faster through the History & Economics track. Generally you can expect to spend between 10-15 hours on the full certification.

Yes. Once you're enrolled, you have ongoing access to revisit any module, exercise, or glossary at your own pace.

Level One is the foundation of a multi-level program, later levels are already in development for scholars who want to go beyond the fundamentals. Level Two will launch in November of 2026 and Level Three will launch in early 2027.

A certificate naming you an American Whiskey Scholar, Level One, plus an official AWS membership lapel pin will be shipped to you upon passing the final.