In this episode of Neat & Mixed, we talk with Colin Blake, co-creator and instructor of American Whiskey Scholar (AWS), about a new approach to American whiskey education. Colin, the former director of Moonshine University and current Vice President at Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates, explains what American Whiskey Scholars is, why the program was created, and how it aims to make whiskey knowledge functional rather than simply academic.

Colin breaks down the three levels of American Whiskey Scholars, from the history of American whiskey, raw materials, distillation and sensory evaluation in Level 1 to advanced topics including mash bill design, still design, fermentation and master taster training. He also explains the program’s standardized whiskey tasting protocol, the 30 key bottles students explore, who can benefit from AWS, and how the online, self-paced program works. Plus, we discuss the different backgrounds of the AWS creators, monthly office hours, corporate seminars and where American Whiskey Scholars could go next.