Residential Diploma October 2023
23 - 27 October 2023
5 Day IWA Residential Diploma October 2023
Theoretical, Technical, Cultural, Scotch Whisky Production Education
A week full of immersive whisky experiences in Islay, from bespoke seminars to distillery tours with the biggest names in Scotch Malt Whisky.
Accommodation provided from Sunday ’til Saturday.
Itinerary
Sunday
Arrive Islay
Set up in accommodation
Meet fellow students over dinner at The Lochside Hotel
Monday
Morning – Complete Overview of Production Process
– Lagg Distillery Manager Graham Omand presentation
****
Afternoon – Kilchoman Distillery with Owner Anthony Wills and Production Manager Robin Bignall.
****
Evening – Optional event
The Enchanting Scotland Show ~ Special Cultural Whisky Tasting spanning 12,000 years of Islay & whisky history.
Tuesday
Morning – Ron Welsh Master Blender (formerly with Beam Suntory) – On distilling, blending and working with some of the most Iconic Distilleries in the world
– Museum of Islay Life Heritage Visit
****
Afternoon – Bowmore Distillery
****
Evening – Ceol agus Craic with our Kinship Host – informal music and whisky fusion
Wednesday
Morning – Artisanal Spirits/Scotch Malt Whisky Society – Warehousing, Cask Maturation, Flavour Profiling, Cask purchase.
****
Afternoon – Ardnahoe Distillery with Manager Fraser Hughes
****
Evening – Artisanal Spirits/SMWS Whisky Tasting Pairing with Pizza from Peatzeria. Amazing drams hosted by Global Master Ambassador John McCheyne
Thursday
Heritage and Elements Day
Morning – Geology of Islay with David Webster
– Visit Octomore spring with James Brown of Octomore
****
Afternoon – Bruichladdich Distillery with Production Distillery Manager Gordon MacDougall
Friday
Morning – IWA Diploma Exam
– IWA Blenders Experience – learn how to create your own Islay Whisky Academy Blend.
****
Afternoon – Ardbeg Distillery
****
Evening – IWA DIPLOMA Students Graduation Whisky Dinner at Port Charlotte Hotel
– Presentation of IWA DIPLOMA Certificates.
– Storytelling, much fun, farewell drams
Slàinte Mhath!
Join The Scotch Whisky Kinship
The Islay Whisky Academy champions the creation of meaningful personal connections. Through our shared experiences with whisky we foster a supportive community that spans the globe.
Completing a course with the Islay Whisky Academy is only the beginning of your journey. The Water of Life cultivates a sense of community among those who drink it and this sense of belonging is hugely important to us. Our events are a portal to the Scotch Whisky Kinship. Across continents and timezones, beyond professions and backgrounds, the Kinship brings whisky lovers together. Through online get togethers, debates and conversation, tutorials and tastings we connect to our kinship.
SCOTCH IN CONTEXT – The difference between a good dram and a great one is the company we share it with.
The water of life is more than just a liquid to be sipped, it is a spirit to be CELEBRATED!