The Council of Whiskey Masters has added sixteen new members to the international governing body. The group confirmed the new whisky enthusiasts after their success in the annual exam.
The global body dedicated to whisky education met in Texas on May 15 at Garrison Brothers Distillery. The forty-member strong group convened the Master examinations and to name newly confirmed Masters.
According to a report by The Spirit Business, the annual exam confirms new experts to the governing body. It selects
“Masters in Scotch and Bourbon, as well as a new generation of Masters of Whiskey and Whisky named by the council for their global whisky knowledge.”
Council of Whiskey Masters Expands Knowledge Base
The Council of Whiskey Masters was founded in 2019 by a group of industry experts to maintain knowledge of whisky and other liquors. One person credited with the founding is Steve Beal, a former senior master of whiskey at Diageo. Most of the board members were also involved in the process..
The council describes itself as the top authority in Scotch whisky and bourbon.
“The Council of Whiskey Masters sets the highest global standard for knowledge and competence in the field of whiskey in general, and Scotch as well as Bourbon in particular. Its study and certification programs are the industry gold standard.”
However, this gathering of the international whisky body was not only focused on evaluating ne Masters. The council also appointed Monique Huston, vice-president of spirits at Winebow, as the new chairwoman of the board.
The current chairman, Bernhard Schäfer, will step down in January 2026.
A post on LinkedIn claimed that this year was more vigorous than before.
“The 2025 examinations included intense blind tastings, in-depth oral theory exams, as well as essays on a wide range of topics. Candidates were reviewed on all aspects of their chosen specialization, covering history, production, all major distilleries, knowledge of the trade, tasting competence, regulations, and standards of identity.”
