Reviewed by Mathew Benoit, COO of Learn Brands · October 2026
Spirits 101: Overview of Major Spirit Types
Spirits 101 is a product knowledge training course that breaks down the six major categories of distilled spirits: whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and brandy. Each section covers production methods, defining characteristics, key styles and substyles, and the flavor profiles that matter most when recommending products to customers.
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for retail staff, liquor store employees, sales representatives, and anyone who needs a working understanding of what is on the spirits shelf. You will learn why a reposado tastes different from a blanco, what separates London Dry gin from a contemporary style, and how barrel aging impacts flavor across multiple categories.
Build Real Spirits Knowledge
By the end of Spirits 101, your team will have the practical spirits education they need to guide customers to the right bottle, answer product questions with accuracy, and make stronger recommendations across every distilled spirits category.
How the course works
The course is online and self-paced, so staff can work through it between shifts on a phone, tablet, or desktop, and stop and resume without losing progress. Managers can assign it across a team and track completion from the Learn Brands dashboard, which makes it practical for onboarding rather than a one-off.
Spirits 101 FAQ
Is Spirits 101 free?
Yes. Spirits 101 is part of the free Core Education Suite, which is free to take and free to assign to your team. There is no cost, no subscription, and no card required.
Do I need to know anything about spirits first?
No. If you are brand new to beverage alcohol, Alcohol 101 is a gentler starting point, but Spirits 101 does not assume prior knowledge.
Does this replace a state server certification?
No. This is product knowledge training, not a state-mandated credential. Programs like TIPS, RBS, BASSET, ATAP and state responsible vendor training sit in the compliance training catalog. Most teams need both: compliance training teaches the law, and this teaches the product.
Which categories does it cover?
The six major categories of distilled spirits: whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and brandy. Each is covered through production, defining characteristics, key styles, and flavor profile.
Can I enroll my whole team?
Yes. Create a free company account, assign the course to your staff, and track who has started and who has finished from the dashboard. That is how most retailers and distributors use it, as a standard step in onboarding.
Keep going
Go deeper on individual categories with Vodka, Gin, Rum, and Whiskeys of the World. Our written companion, the plain-English guide to every major spirit category, covers the same ground in article form. Browse the free Core Education Suite.
Get certified
Browse the on-demand certifications, from state-approved seller-server training to category credentials like AFNA and Hemp Bev Certified. Buying for a team? Register your business free and assign seats across your whole staff.
See how every major spirit turns into a drink in our guide to the 25 classic cocktails every bartender should know.
Related courses
Once you know the categories, Mixology 101 shows how bartenders use them in 25 classic cocktails. Go deeper on a single spirit with Whiskeys of The World 101, Gin, or Rum. For a quick preview, watch the 7 types of spirits video. Browse the free Core Education Suite.
About the reviewer
Mathew Benoit is COO of Learn Brands. He has a family liquor store background, spent more than eight years as Marketing Director at the distributor Vinocopia, and has represented brands nationally. Read Mathew's full bio.
