Whisky Masters Programme
The Whisky Masters Programme is a Hong Kong-based whisky training course and experience conducted by the Malt Masters HK. Through the different programmes, each participant will receive the fundamentals to advance skills and knowledge needed on understanding and exploring the art of whisky. We are an independent programme that is unique in that we do not focus on one region or brand but we explore all the major contributing whisky countries all over the world.
The courses will cover the origins and history of whisky, the end to end production and maturation processes to ultimately discover what has elevated it to the luxurious golden drink that we know today.
We will take you on a journey of in-depth discovery and offer you a wealth of knowledge to start you on your whisky adventure. The programme is an interactive learning environment where we put a lot of focus on the nosing, tasting and overall sensory aspects of whisky. Whether you are just looking to broaden your knowledge, impress your friends or being on a career journey in the whisky industry, this course is the perfect launch-pad for you.
“This whisky class acted as an eye-opener to those who are interested in exploring the fundamental of whisky. The instructor is very experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. She is able to answer our questions in a straight forward and very comprehensive manner. I got the chance to experience whisky from different regions around the world. The aroma identification workshop was quite an experience. All in all, this class is definitely worth my time!”
Lynton (Alumnus)
Programme Overview
Too much of anything is bad, but too much of good Whisky is barely enough.
– Mark Twain
Introduction to Scotch Whisky
This course is designed for those who are at the beginning of their whisky journey and who have a keen desire to know and learn more about the water of life. In this course, we will cover whisky at high-level learning with a real focus on the tasting and appreciation aspect of whisky. This half-day course will concentrate on Scotch whiskies covering all the whisky-producing regions of Scotland. Whether you are just looking to broaden your knowledge or impress your friends then this course is the perfect launch pad for you.
Learning Outcomes
- With the high-level learning approach, you will be able to understand what Scotch whisky is, including its ingredients, the laws around it, and the production processes.
- You will become more familiar with the key Scottish whisky-making regions, what makes them unique from each other, and the whisky character they produce.
- You will have a high-level insight into whisky as a pairing partner in the food and beverage world.
Course Delivery
This programme is a four-hour introductory course designed to present you with the basic knowledge of scotch whisky. You will leave with a high-level understanding of what scotch whisky is, how it is made and more importantly how to appreciate it through nosing and tasting.
Participants can go on to enrol in the Advanced Whisky Course receiving a Whisky Masters Programme certification upon passing.
Pre-requisites
This course is open to everyone who has a passion for whisky.
Who Is This Course Ideal For?
Whisky enthusiasts, drinkers or traders who want to have a high-level knowledge of whisky.
Course Fee: HK$ 2800.00
The Art of Whisky Making and Appreciation
This course is an advanced whisky programme designed to arm you with the in-depth whisky knowledge you need to cement yourself in the whisky world. It is an engaging course that fully heightens your total world whisky understanding, sensory expertise and flavour appreciation; that will not only present you with intricate learnings of the production process but also how whisky is made around the world.
Learning Outcomes
- You will be able to highlight the key dates and events in the history that have been central to its past, current and future success as a spirit.
- You will understand the importance of the raw ingredients and what is needed to make the perfect whisky.
- You will be able to confidently describe how whisky is made highlighting the key stages of the whisky production process of both in Scotland and across the world.
- You will be able to nose and appreciate whisky at a deeper level and identify aromas that once were hidden to you through unlocking your olfactory potential and awakening your senses.
- You will have a high-level insight into whisky as a pairing partner in the food and beverage world.
Course Delivery
This programme is a four-hour course designed to present you with an advanced level of knowledge of whisky and whisky appreciation. You will leave with a detailed understanding of scotch whisky, world whisky, how it is made and more importantly how to appreciate it through nosing and tasting.
Participants can go on to enrol in the Certificate of Expertise in Wood and Maturation.
Who Is This Course Ideal For?
Whisky enthusiasts who want to further their whisky knowledge, on and off-trade professionals or individuals that want to pursue a career in the spirits or FMCG sector.
Pre-requisites
This course is open to everyone who has a passion for whisky at an advanced level.
Course Fee: HK$ 3400.00
Expertise in Wood and Maturation
The Expertise in Wood and Maturation is an intensive whisky training course that will give each participant the advance to an expert level of practical whisky knowledge and skills. This course is for someone who really wants to take their whisky expertise to the next level by gaining expert and industry knowledge about the significance of wood and maturation in the whisky-making process.
The Wood and Maturation is the most important contributor to flavour in whisky-making but the process and intricacies are little understood. This exclusive programme helps to break down the process to easily understand the key flavour contributors in whisky-making. It is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and is taught by industry experts. We develop each participant’s expertise and increase their knowledge of fine and premium whiskies through insider expert knowledge of the world of wood.
Programme Outline
- The Origin of Oak Casks
- Learn the history and origin of the wooden cask.
- Discover what are the usage of casks in the early times.
- The DNA of a Cask
- The American white oak and European oak.
- Discover the other wood species that are being used in whisky maturation.
- Learn the cask-making process.
- Learn the different shapes and sizes.
- The Wood Makes the Whisky
- Learn the importance of oak casks in whisky maturation
- Learn the factors that influence maturation.
- Learn the different maturation styles and finishing.
- Understand the flavour development during maturation.
- Discover the key aromas and flavour profiles that can be found in whiskies through their maturation.
- Certificate of Expertise in Whisky Cask and Maturation
- A 60 minute written and practical exam to ensure that participants leave with the advanced knowledge and skill required to help them with their professions. Upon passing, attendees will receive a Whisky Masters Programme: Certificate of Expertise in Wood and Maturation.
Course Delivery
This programme is a full-day course aimed at comprehensive learning about the production process focusing on flavour development that takes place during maturation and the key decision-making that affects flavour. The participants also will be taught a variety of different assessment techniques used by experts whilst boosting their aroma and flavour recognition and description skills.
Who Is This Course Ideal For?
Whisky enthusiasts who want to further their whisky knowledge, on and off-trade professionals or individuals that want to pursue a career in the spirits or FMCG sector.
Pre-requisites
Attendees should have completed the Advance Whisky Programme.
Course Fee: HK$ 3800.00
Included the Sensory Experience
Unlock Your Senses
Every Single Malt presents us with a delightful bouquet of warming aromas, but with some 32 primary aromas to be found in Whisky it can sometimes overpower and challenge our senses. On this course, we will not only break down these aromas but we will teach and encourage you to identify them.
Awaken Your Taste Buds
Did you know there are over 400 flavour compounds in Malt Whisky? Consider that we only have 4 primary tastes (sweet, salty, bitter and sour) and this becomes even more astonishing. We focus much deserved attention on the tasting section of the course as Whisky is ,yes, delicious; but can also be complex in composition. We will teach and explore with you the flavour expressions such as peaty, fruity and winey.
Trust Your Instinct
Drinking Whisky is a very personal and emotive experience that can bring bygone memories to the surface. Theres are no right and wrong answers in what you nose, taste and experience with whisky. To ensure that you use your gut instincts we introduce a fun and interactive blind tasting on the course meaning you 100% have to trust your own senses.