Whiskeys of the World 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Global Whiskey Styles-New Free Training Course

Mathew Benoit
5 days ago
2 min read

Whiskey is more than just a drink, it’s a story of culture, craftsmanship, and centuries-old tradition. For new bar staff, retail associates, or anyone just beginning to explore the world of spirits, understanding whiskey can feel intimidating. That’s why we created Whiskeys of the World 101, a short, approachable course that breaks down what whiskey is, how it’s made, and how to talk about it with confidence.

Barrel, glass of whiskey with ice, globe; text: "Whiskeys of the World 101," "Learn Brands General Education Course" on blue background.

Whether you’re stocking shelves, serving cocktails, or answering guest questions, this course gives you the essential talking points you need to recommend whiskey with ease.

What You’ll Learn in this Extensive Free Whiskeys of the World Course

1. The Basics: What is Whiskey

Start with the foundation. Whiskey (or whisky, depending on the country) is a distilled spirit made from grains like barley, corn, rye, or wheat, then aged in oak barrels. You’ll learn the core steps of production, malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and aging, and how those choices affect flavor.

Pouring amber liquid into a glass on a wooden table. Glassware and dark red background visible. Warm, inviting atmosphere.

2. Styles Around the World: Whiskeys of the World Course

Every whiskey-producing region has its own personality, shaped by local traditions, climate, and ingredients. The course explores:

American Whiskey – Bold bourbons, spicy ryes, and smooth Tennessee whiskey.
Scotch Whisky – From smoky Islay malts to fruity Speyside classics.
Irish Whiskey – Triple-distilled, easy-drinking, and approachable.
Japanese Whisky – Delicate, balanced, and crafted with precision.
Taiwanese Whisky – Bold, tropical, and fast-aged thanks to warm climates.
Indian Whisky – Spicy, intense, and increasingly award-winning.

You’ll discover what makes each style unique, plus the legal definitions that shape how they’re made.

Three glasses with citrus slices on a wooden tray, alongside an oyster shell and a small dish, on a dark marble counter.

3. Tasting & Serving Whiskey

Learn how to evaluate whiskey step by step—look, swirl, smell, sip, and finish—while developing the language to describe flavors confidently. You’ll also pick up tips for serving whiskey neat, on the rocks, with water, or in classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Highball.

Stacked wooden barrels in a dimly lit distillery, marked "St. Augustine Distillery." Text and logos are visible on barrel fronts.

Why this Whiskeys of the World Course Matters

For many customers, whiskey can be a confusing category. They may ask, What’s the difference between Scotch and bourbon? or Should I drink this neat or with ice? With Whiskeys of the World 101, you’ll have clear, simple answers at your fingertips.

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This course gives you:

Confidence to explain styles and make recommendations.
Knowledge of popular brands and their defining traits.
Practical skills for tasting, evaluating, and serving whiskey.

By the end, you’ll be able to guide guests toward their next favorite pour and elevate the customer experience, whether you’re behind the bar or on the sales floor.

A hand holds a glass spilling amber liquid and ice. Dark, blurred background with soft lighting. Dynamic motion, splash captured mid-air.

Final Note

Whiskey is a journey, and this Whiskeys of the World course is your first step. From the smoky coasts of Scotland to the tropical hills of Taiwan, each glass tells a story.

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Whiskeys of the World 101 helps you share those stories with customers and connect them to bottles they’ll love. Cheers to learning, and to better conversations over whiskey.