Sake and Whisky Appreciation

Gain a refined understanding of sake and whisky through hands-on tasting, pairing, and presentation techniques. This course is perfect for professionals looking to elevate their cultural fluency and confidence in social-professional settings.

Course Overview

Command greater confidence and sophistication at networking events, business dinners, and professional gatherings with refined knowledge of sake and whisky. In this 2-day course, you’ll explore the origins, flavour profiles, and production processes of each spirit, and learn how to taste, serve, and recommend them with confidence. Gain a comprehensive understanding of sake classifications from Junmai to sparkling varieties, and be introduced to a variety of whiskeys such as Single Malt, Blended, and Barrel Proof. You’ll also gain practical skills in flavour identification, food pairing, drink presentation, and the use of modern garnishes and drinkware. These skills demonstrate cultural sophistication which allow you to make a stronger impression in social and business settings.

Course Highlights

Navigate different classifications of sake such as Junmai (Junmai, Ginjo, Daiginjo), Non-Junmai (Honjozo, Futsu-shu), and unique variations like Nigori, Koshu, and Sparkling Sake.
Participate in guided sake tasting sessions and learn to identify and appreciate sake’s diverse taste profiles like sweet, sour, bitter, umami, and astringent.
Explore whisky categories based on production types (Single Malt, Blended Whisky), strengths (Barrel Proof, Single Cask), and global origins (Irish, Scotch, American, Canadian, Japanese).
Participate in guided whisky tasting sessions and learn to profile different flavours and recognise diverse whisky notes like fruit, floral, spice, smoke, nutty, and sweet.
Recommend the best food pairings to complement different types of sake and whisky.
Experiment with a range of sake and whisky cocktail recipes through hands-on practice, including classics like the Highball and Old Fashioned.
Master the proper temperature, pouring etiquette, and serving volumes for both sake and whisky to respect their cultural traditions.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

Understand the characteristics and classifications of various sake types, including Junmai, Non-Junmai, and special styles.
Identify and understand the major categories of whisky based on their production methods, strengths, and global origins.
Recognise and describe the diverse flavour profiles of sake and whisky through guided tasting experiences.
Speak confidently about sake and whisky to project sophistication and cultural awareness during client dinners, networking events, or executive functions.
Apply your appreciation skills to recommend, serve, and present beverages that leave a lasting impression on clients, partners, or guests.
Use your knowledge of sake and whisky to engage in meaningful conversations, establish rapport, and connect with others over shared appreciation.
This course is best attended together with Wine Etiquette & Appreciation.

Competency Assessment

Written and Case Study Assessment

Stand Out From The Competition With Professional Certificates

Candidates who complete each module with at least 75% attendance and demonstrate competency during assessment will receive a Certificate of Completion by Skills Development Academy and a WSQ Statement of Attainment.

Entry Requirements:

Aged 21 and above
Have basic computer literacy Level 2
Have minimum GCE “N”, “O” or “A” Level / NITEC or a diploma qualification and minimum 2 years of working experience; and
Have an English language proficiency equivalent of higher of any of the following – GCSE N/O Levels pass in English / WPLN Level 5 / IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL (internet based total) 46-59

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