AWS diagram comparing a pot still and a column still

From still to glass

How fermentation makes alcohol and distillation concentrates it, why pot stills and column stills give different styles, and what years in an oak barrel really do.

The spirit families: vodka, gin, rum, tequila and mezcal, whisky, brandy and liqueurs

The spirit families

Vodka, gin, rum, tequila and mezcal, whisky, brandy and liqueurs: what each is made from, how it's made and what to expect in the glass.

Christian Esser with a nosing glass and the four AWS tasting steps

Taste like a pro

Taste three spirits at home with the AWS method (Look, Nose, Palate, Conclude), small pours and a drop of water, then mix simple serves and four classic cocktails.

What you'll learn

✓ What a spirit is, and the difference between fermentation and distillation ✓ How pot stills and column stills work, and why they give different styles ✓ What oak barrels add, take away and change, and why the angels take a bigger share in the Caribbean ✓ The main families: vodka, gin, rum, tequila and mezcal, whisky, brandy and liqueurs ✓ How to taste a spirit safely and professionally: 10–15 ml pours, gentle nosing, a drop of water, and spitting ✓ Simple serves, four classic cocktails and how to enjoy spirits responsibly

Who it's for

Anyone who enjoys a good drink and wants to understand what's in the bottle. No experience needed: just curiosity and three small samples. It's ideal for curious spirits lovers, home bartenders, people who want to order and shop with confidence, and new hospitality staff who need a friendly first step. No jargon, no snobbery: just Liquid Lively Fun – One Glass at a Time™. You must be of legal drinking age (18+ or the legal age where you live) to take part in the tastings.

The shopping list, the tasting note card and the Spirits Explorer badge

What's included

9 video lessons

Short, friendly lessons with Christian Esser, about 90 minutes in total, at your own pace, with easy notes and hands-on tasting and mixing activities.

2 printable guides

A spirits shopping list (three samples, a simple tasting kit and a few mixers) and the AWS Spirits Tasting Note Card.

Final quiz and AWS certificate

A 15-question final quiz (70% to pass, two attempts). Pass it to receive your AWS Spirits Explorer™ certificate. Accredited by the UK CPD Certification Service.

Your instructor: Christian Esser

Christian Esser is the founder and Director of Education of the Academy of Wine & Spirits in the Cayman Islands, and a Wine & Spirits Educator with more than 20 years of teaching across the Caribbean, North and South America. He is an official educator for Cognac (BNIC) and Armagnac (BNIA), launched The Rum Ambassador programme with WIRSPA, holds a viticulture degree from Lincoln University in New Zealand and was Wine Director at the Grand Old House in Grand Cayman. In 2026 the Academy won two LUXlife Hospitality Awards: Best Luxury Beverage Education Provider and the Hospitality Training Excellence Award (Caribbean & USA). His goal is simple: to make wine and spirits clear, practical and fun.

Curriculum

6 Chapters · 10 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome to Spirits Explorer

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      What is a spirit?

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Pot stills and column stills

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      What oak does

    1. (Included in full purchase)

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

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Aged spirits and liqueurs: rum, whisky, brandy and more

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      How to taste a spirit

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Simple serves and classic cocktails

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Drink responsibly and keep exploring

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Final quiz

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take? About 90 minutes in total. Study at your own pace, on any device, and pause whenever you like. Do I need to buy spirits? It's more fun with three small samples: a London dry gin, an aged rum, and a bourbon or blended Scotch. Miniatures are perfect. You can still complete the course without them. Is there an age requirement? Yes. You must be 18 or older, or of legal drinking age where you live, to take part in the tastings. We taste tiny amounts and spit. Please drink responsibly. Do I get a certificate? Yes. Score 70% or more on the 15-question final quiz to receive your AWS Spirits Explorer™ certificate. You have two attempts. What's next? Continue with AWS Intro to Spirits – First Pour™ Hospitality Tailored.

Pour a small one and start exploring

90 minutes, 9 short video lessons, a tasting note card and your AWS certificate. Spirits made clear, practical and fun.

$29.00

Enrol now – US$29