Edinburgh Whisky Academy

Ann Miller, The Dram Queen, is the only Approved Course Provider and Educator for the Edinburgh Whisky Academy courses in Scotland.

She offers face to face practical tuition in both their Scotch Whisky Certificate courses.

Do you have a thirst for knowledge?

Whisky enthusiasts and industry professionals can benefit from in-person access to the Edinburgh Whisky Academy’s exciting and unique education offers which are fun, interactive and will enhance your appreciation of every dram you try.

As well as the independently assessed certificate of completion from both two day courses, you’ll come away knowing so much more about the golden spirit in your glass. Whether you consider yourself a whisky connoisseur or are simply curious to learn more, you’ll certainly get something from this award-winning material and benefit too from the Dram Queen’s extensive industry expertise and her engaging approach.

No experience is required. A passion for learning more about whisky is all you need.

Both courses include two days of face to face tuition, all tuition materials and samples as well as refreshments and lunch each day.

Certificate in Scotch Whisky

Ann provides an in-depth overview of Scotch Whisky as you explore the history and business of Scotch whisky as well as its legal requirements, before learning the whole production process from raw materials to bottling, including modules on grain whisky and blended Scotch whisky. You will taste at least 15 different whisky samples during the course.

Topics covered during the two day course include:

  • Historical Development of
  • Distillation and Whisky
  • Business of Whisky
  • Raw Materials
  • Production Process
  • Batch Distillation Process
  • Maturation
  • Bottling
  • Grain Distillation
  • Blending Scotch Whisky

This Certificate is especially suitable for:

  • Whisky enthusiasts eager to improve their knowledge of the wider Scotch whisky industry and its development.
  • People seeking a career in the whisky industry, particularly hospitality.
  • Aspiring or current staff of distillery visitor centres.
  • People working in the drinks industry who are keen develop their knowledge in order to progress

Candidates will receive an EWA Certificate and a lapel badge.

contact ann

Certificate in Sensory Appreciation

NEXT COURSE

SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY & SUNDAY 1 MARCH 2026

Whisky enthusiasts and industry professionals can benefit from in-person access to the Dram Queen’s Certificate in Sensory Appreciation from Edinburgh Whisky Academy.

This exciting and unique course is a fun, interactive experience which will enhance your appreciation of every dram you taste.

You will gain from the award-winning tuition and benefit from the Dram Queen’s extensive industry expertise and her engaging approach. No experience is required. A passion for learning more about whisky is all you need.

This Certificate is especially suitable for whisky enthusiasts wishing to develop their sensory analytical skills and professionals who deliver whisky tastings and food pairing menus.

During the two day course Ann discusses the origins of flavour origination in the production and maturation process of Scotch whisky and tests your ability to recognise aromas.

Discover how to judge and score whiskies in an unbiased manner and learn to categorise varying styles of whisky with seasonal foods.

Apply what you learn during the workshops in a blind tasting to create distinct flavour profile and food pairing suggestions.

Topics include:

  • Flavour Origination
  • Aroma Recognition
  • Sensory Evaluation
  • Seasons, Senses, Tastes & the Elements
  • Effect of Temperature
  • Blind Tasting Practical Assessment
  • Sensory Recognition Test

Candidates will receive an EWA Certificate and a lapel badge.

contact ann

Serious about whisky education

Ann is the EWA’s Approved Course Provider in Scotland and offers face to face practical tuition in their Certificate courses.

Their innovative approach helps candidates to enjoy whisky, and to indulge their passion. The courses are intensive, immersive and industry relevant but most of all they are fun and engaging.

Edinburgh Whisky Academy is the only centre for Scotch whisky education approved by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. Their certifications are the only formal professional qualification in the world for Scotch Whisky.

Find out more about Ann’s background and experience here.

Feedback from our clients

“I had some new customer-facing staff who had only limited whisky knowledge. Ann’s course gave them the confidence to engage in conversation with some very knowledgeable people and to understand their needs as customers.”
Matthew PorrittBrand Homes Manager, Speyburn & Balmenach Distilleries, International Beverage
“It’s not every day you can say you are in the presence of royalty. Last week I had the absolute pleasure of learning from the best in the business, Ann Miller to achieve my Certificate in Scotch Whisky with Edinburgh Whisky Academy. Two days of deep-dive drilling into all things distilling – what Ann doesn’t know about whisky doesn’t seem worth knowing!”
Heather RobertsonDigital Brand Manager Arran Whisky, Lagg Whisky
“Thank you for a great course. I enjoyed learning about the legal history of whisky and the illicit history of whisky. I learned a lot about grain whisky which was something I knew little about and opened new avenues to research. I enjoyed experiencing different whiskies and I was surprised at what I liked. It was a supportive learning atmosphere where any question could be asked.”
Melinda McLeanSpeyburn Distillery
“We thoroughly enjoyed the Sensory Appreciation of Whisky course. Ann’s knowledge of whisky is vast, and the course is fun and hugely informative. A must for whisky lovers.”
SandraAberdeenshire
“Having recently retired, I need to progress my whisky journey from acquisition to consumption! To ensure I can do justice to the effort that went into creating these whiskies, I completed the EWA certificate in Sensory Appreciation at the Dram Queen’s dram room. I now have the confidence to pull those corks, knowing that I will get the best out of the contents.”
NickAberdeenshire
“Thank you for the course I really enjoyed it and am excited to start putting that knowledge into practice.”
David WilsonVisit Moray Speyside
“I did the Edinburgh Whisky Academy 2-day Scotch Whisky Certificate Course with Ann; I would highly recommend it. The Dram Queen’s location in the heart of Speyside is stunning. Ann's knowledge is encyclopaedic and her hospitality second to none. Thank you for a very interesting and enjoyable two days.”
Steve BrockmanDM Executive Travel, Scotland
“The Dram Queen (Ann Miller, Master of Quaich) has over 35 years’ experience in the whisky industry. Her knowledge is unparalleled, and her Sensory Appreciation tasting course is very informative and surprising to test our senses - from novice to professional you will learn and enjoy! Highly recommend it.”
Gerik SpiquelAustria

Please send any questions and requests you may have