What you'll learn

✓ How a bar is organised: well, call, premium and top shelf, and the eight spirit families ✓ How each spirit is made, in plain words a server can repeat to a guest ✓ Key styles and labels: ABV and proof, age statements, VS/VSOP/XO, blanco/reposado/añejo, single malt, bourbon and London dry ✓ How to taste spirits and describe them to guests in two or three inviting words ✓ The core classic cocktails and highballs with standard measures, glassware and garnish ✓ How to recommend and upsell naturally, and serve responsibly

A back bar with the AWS bar zones: top shelf, back bar, speed rail and the eight families

The back bar by category

From the speed rail to the top shelf: the eight spirit families, what each is made from, and a one-line story for every bottle that you can share with a guest.

Christian Esser with a nosing glass and the AWS tasting and guest-language steps

Taste and describe

Taste six spirits with the AWS method (Look, Nose, Palate, Conclude), then turn your notes into friendly guest language with What · Taste · Serve.

AWS house specs for the Daiquiri, Margarita, Old Fashioned and Negroni

Classics, measured

The core classic cocktails and highballs with AWS house specs, the right technique, glass and garnish, plus how to recommend, trade up and serve responsibly.

Who it's for

Bartenders, barbacks, servers, sommeliers, hosts, banquet and hotel staff, and anyone new to hospitality. No experience needed. Managers: a ready-made spirits module for your team training. You must be of legal drinking age (18+ or the legal age where you live) to take part in the tastings.

Curriculum

9 Chapters · 26 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome to First Pour™ Hospitality Tailored

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      About your educator

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      How a back bar is organised

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The eight families and their raw materials

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 1 knowledge check

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Fermentation and distillation in plain English

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Pot stills, column stills and the barrel

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      One-line stories for every family

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 2 knowledge check

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Clear spirits: vodka, gin, white rum, blanco tequila and mezcal

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Aged spirits: rum, whisky, brandy and aged tequila

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Reading a spirit label

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 3 knowledge check

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The AWS tasting method at work

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Your six-sample flight

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Guest language: describing spirits

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 4 knowledge check

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Measures, tools and techniques

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The core classics with specs

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Glassware and garnish

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 5 knowledge check

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Recommending and upselling

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Responsible service

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 6 knowledge check

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Final exam

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Congratulations and next steps

Academy of Wine & Spirits logo

Your certificate: AWS Intro to Spirits – First Pour™

Pass the final exam and you receive your AWS Intro to Spirits – First Pour™ certificate, signed by Christian Esser, Director of Education, Academy of Wine & Spirits. Add it to your CV and LinkedIn profile and show guests and employers what you know.

Christian Esser, Director of Education, Academy of Wine & Spirits

Meet your educator: Christian Esser

Christian Esser is the founder and Director of Education of the Academy of Wine & Spirits, winner of two LUXlife Hospitality Awards 2026 (Caribbean & USA): Best Luxury Beverage Education Provider and Hospitality Training Excellence Award. A Wine, Spirits & Sake Educator with formal training in viticulture and winemaking, he brings 20+ years of experience across 43 countries. He founded The Rum Ambassador, the first international rum certification, with WIRSPA, and led wine programmes at Grand Old House, Ortanique and Cayman Spirits Co. Liquid Lively Fun

Award-winning education

LUXlife Hospitality Awards 2026 · Caribbean & USA ★ Best Luxury Beverage Education Provider 2026 ★ Hospitality Training Excellence Award 2026

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have access? Lifetime access. Once you enroll, the course is yours to revisit whenever you like. Can I start anytime? Yes. The course is 100% online and self-paced: start the moment you enroll and study on any device, whenever it suits you. Study in short lessons, one at a time, and pick up where you left off. What language is it in? The course is taught online in English. What do I need? Any device with internet. Tasting is optional: a few small samples from your bar or home help you practise. How does the exam work? Short practice checks, then a 30-question final exam. Score 70% or more to pass; you have two attempts. Questions? Email [email protected] or call +1 (345) 938 0458. We are happy to help, including group bookings for teams.

Liquid Lively Fun

Make every shift a confident one. Self-paced, online, with your AWS certificate. Questions? [email protected] · +1 (345) 938 0458

$95.00

Enroll now – US$95