Edinburgh Whisky Academy

Your Qualification Awaits

Depart with more than memories - depart with a distinguished qualification

The Edinburgh Whisky Academy is Whisky Brains' exclusive certification partner, and the cornerstone of what makes our experiences genuinely transformative. Founded in 2015 by Kirsty McKerrow - a woman whose family roots in Scotch whisky stretch back to 1815 with the founding of Mackinlay's - the Academy is the only Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Approved Centre dedicated to Scotch whisky and gin education. This is not a casual tasting certificate; it is a formal, internationally recognised qualification that carries real weight in the world of spirits.

Kirsty's own journey through the whisky industry is remarkable. The daughter of the former CEO of Glenmorangie, she grew up immersed in the world of single malts before forging her own path as Nordic Brand Ambassador for Moet Hennessy's prestigious whisky portfolio, representing Glenmorangie and Ardbeg across Scandinavia. Upon returning to Scotland, she identified a critical gap in formal Scotch whisky education and established the Academy to fill it. In December 2024, Kirsty was inducted into The Worshipful Company of Distillers, one of the City of London's most historic livery companies - a testament to her standing in the global spirits community.

Through the partnership with Whisky Brains, our clients gain access to the Academy's world-class curriculum as an integrated element of their Scottish journey. The EWA Certificate in Scotch Whisky covers everything from the historical development and distillation process to the business of whisky, raw materials, maturation science, and formal sensory evaluation. Delivered by industry experts in intimate settings - often within the very distilleries our tours visit - the coursework transforms a luxury travel experience into a genuine education.

With over 13,000 students worldwide and a network of Approved Course Providers spanning six continents, the Edinburgh Whisky Academy's credentials are recognised by distilleries, brand owners, hospitality leaders, and collectors globally. For Whisky Brains clients, the EWA certificate is not merely a souvenir - it is a mark of genuine expertise, a conversation piece among fellow connoisseurs, and a lasting reminder that their journey was about far more than simply tasting whisky.