Whisk(e)y Production Blog | Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers Skip to main content Skip to footer

Whisk(e)y is an incredibly complex spirit. This complexity makes it revered around the world by drinkers, and it is a very enjoyable and rewarding spirit to produce.  

The CIBD’s Whisk(e)y Production short course starts with a brief look at the history of whisk(e)y, before moving on to how it is made. It details raw materials covering barley and other cereals, how malt is made, water sources and treatment, and the types of yeast used in whisk(e)y production. How raw material analyses are carried out is covered and the significance of the figures obtained is explained. The processes of milling, wort production, wort separation and fermentation are detailed, as are what happens during batch and continuous distillation and the different ways in which they are used around the world.

The importance for whiskies of maturation in wooden casks and the reactions that take place in them is included, as well as blending, filtration, dilution and the calculations required, with worked examples. The various methods of laboratory and sensory analysis used in the production of whisk(e)y are examined in detail, which gives an understanding of how they work and the significance of the results they deliver. 
Although designed principally for commercial distillers with a sound understanding of the basics of distilling, the course will also benefit more serious home distillers. While it assumes some level of distilling knowledge and understanding of science and maths, it should be accessible to most people with an interest in distilling. The course provides essential knowledge and best practice for whisk(e)y production at a commercial scale. The course includes a downloadable PDF which provides a detailed summary of the course content for your technical library. The course features engaging text, countless videos, animations, quizzes, and games to help enhance learning. At the end of the course, you receive a Certificate of Completion.

It is a short course, but it is comprehensive in its scope. So, from grain though to glass this this course has been designed to assist with your continuing professional development needs. To a prospective or current employer, it also demonstrates your commitment to continuing professional development.