Flaviar Whiskey Academy

Flaviar Whiskey Academy is a comprehensive whiskey education subscription that blends bite-sized lessons with hands-on tasting. Class 1 features 9 diverse American whiskey samples delivered in 3 boxes, each with expertly-guided lessons, detailed tasting notes, and assessments. Upon completion, earn an official Flaviar certificate and unlock discounts on Class 2.

Flaviar Whiskey Academy launched as an innovative way to democratize whiskey education beyond traditional in-person classes and certifications. Recognizing that spirits enthusiasts wanted structured learning they could complete at home, Flaviar developed a curriculum blending expert instruction with hands-on tasting.

Pricing Plans

Option	Price	What’s Included	Savings
Class 1	$98	9 American whiskey samples, lessons, certificate, Black Membership	-
Class 1 & 2 Bundle	$228	Both classes, all lessons, certificates, Black Membership	Save $20

All Options Include:

• Expertly-guided whiskey lessons
• Detailed tasting notes
• $10 bottle voucher
• Annual Flaviar Black Membership ($40 value)
• Official completion certificate
• Assessments and final exam

What’s Included in Class 1

Learning Components:

• Bite-sized lessons covering whiskey styles, history, and production
• Guided tasting instructions for each sample
• Short assessments after each lesson
• Final exam for certification
• Official Flaviar diploma upon completion

Tasting Samples:

• 9 diverse American whiskey samples
• Delivered in 3 boxes (3 vials per box)
• Covers bourbon, rye, and American whiskey styles
• Each vial sized for proper tasting evaluation

Bonus Perks:

• $10 voucher toward full bottle purchase
• Discount on Class 2 after completion
• Annual Flaviar Black Membership included
• Access to exclusive member community

How It Works

Flaviar Whiskey Academy blends structured online education with hands-on tasting, creating a comprehensive learning experience you complete at your own pace:

1. Enroll and Choose Your Path: Visit Flaviar’s website and select Class 1 ($98) or the Class 1 & 2 bundle ($228, saving $20). Payment is one-time upfront - this is not a recurring subscription. Upon enrollment, you immediately gain access to the online learning portal and your Flaviar Black Membership activates.

2. First Tasting Box Shipment: Within 5-10 business days of enrollment, your first box ships containing:

• 3 whiskey vials (50ml each, enough for proper tasting)
• Detailed tasting note cards for each sample
• Instructions for optimal tasting (glassware recommendations, water additions, nose/palate technique)
• Access codes for corresponding online lessons

Class 1 focuses entirely on American whiskeys, introducing bourbon, rye, and American single malts to establish foundational knowledge.

3. Access Online Learning Platform: Log into Flaviar’s Academy portal where Class 1 curriculum is organized into modules:

• Module 1: Whiskey Basics - grain types, fermentation, distillation fundamentals
• Module 2: American Whiskey Regulations - bourbon vs. rye definitions, TTB requirements
• Module 3: Production Deep Dive - mash bills, barrel aging, proof variations
• Module 4: Tasting Methodology - evaluating color, nose, palate, finish
• Module 5: Regional Styles - Kentucky vs. Tennessee vs. craft American distillers

Each module includes video lessons (5-15 minutes), reading materials, and knowledge checks. Content is bite-sized to fit busy schedules - you can complete a module during lunch breaks or evening relaxation.

4. Taste with Purpose: As you learn about whiskey styles and production methods, taste the corresponding samples. For example, after learning about high-rye bourbon mash bills, you’ll taste a high-rye bourbon to identify those spicy, peppery notes in practice. This syncs theory with sensory experience, making concepts stick.

Flaviar recommends:

• Use a proper whiskey glass (Glencairn or tulip shape if available)
• Taste in a well-lit, odor-free environment
• Add a few drops of water to “open up” the whiskey
• Take notes on aroma, flavor, and finish impressions

5. Complete Module Assessments: After each module, short quizzes (5-10 questions) test comprehension. Questions cover:

• Definitions and regulations
• Production processes
• Tasting terminology
• Style distinctions

Assessments aren’t timed and you can retake them. They’re designed to reinforce learning, not trick you.

6. Receive Boxes 2 and 3: Approximately 2-3 weeks apart, boxes 2 and 3 ship, each containing 3 additional whiskey vials and tasting notes. The spacing allows you to progress through curriculum at a reasonable pace without rushing. All 9 samples arrive within 6-8 weeks of enrollment.

7. Final Exam and Certification: Once you’ve completed all modules and tasted all 9 whiskeys, take the final comprehensive exam (20-30 questions covering all Class 1 content). Passing score is typically 70-80%. Upon passing:

• Official Flaviar Whiskey Academy certificate is emailed (printable PDF)
• LinkedIn-shareable credential
• Title: Flaviar Certified Whiskey Graduate, Class 1
• Discount code for Class 2 enrollment

The certificate isn’t accredited like sommelier certifications, but demonstrates dedicated whiskey education and can be conversation starter among enthusiast circles.

8. Redeem Your $10 Bottle Voucher: Along with your completion, receive a $10 voucher applicable toward purchasing a full 750ml bottle of any whiskey you tasted in Class 1. If you loved that rye whiskey in box 2, buy the full bottle at a discount. Voucher expires in 90 days and is limited to featured whiskeys only.

9. Continue to Class 2 (Optional): If you enrolled in the bundle, Class 2 automatically begins. If you bought Class 1 standalone, your completion discount makes Class 2 more affordable. Class 2 expands beyond American whiskeys to explore Scotch, Irish, Japanese, and world whiskies using the same tasting-plus-learning format with new samples.

10. Leverage Black Membership: Your included annual Flaviar Black Membership ($40 value) provides:

• Exclusive bottle access (limited releases, private barrel selections)
• Member-only pricing on full bottles (typically 10-20% off)
• Priority customer support
• Early access to new quarterly tasting boxes
• Community forum access for discussing tastings with fellow members

Membership renews annually as long as you remain active with Flaviar, adding ongoing value beyond the one-time class cost.

Timeline: Self-paced. Some students complete Class 1 in 3-4 weeks (accelerated), while others stretch it over 3 months (leisurely weekend tastings). There’s no expiration on course access - take as long as you need.

Who It’s For

• Whiskey Enthusiasts Seeking Structure: Those who’ve enjoyed whiskey casually but want formal education to understand what they’re tasting and why certain whiskeys cost more than others
• Beginners Intimidated by Whiskey Culture: New drinkers who feel overwhelmed by whiskey terminology, regional styles, and tasting etiquette - Academy demystifies the category
• Gift Givers for Hard-to-Shop Recipients: Unique present for dads, partners, or friends who already own material goods but appreciate experiential learning
• Home Learners Preferring Self-Paced: Those whose schedules don’t allow in-person classes or fixed-time webinars - complete lessons anytime, anywhere
• Certification Collectors: People who enjoy earning credentials and displaying certificates - adds whiskey expertise to your skill portfolio
• Curious Drinkers Ready to Level Up: Transitioning from “I like whiskey” to “I can identify bourbon vs. rye by taste and explain production differences”
• Subscribers to Tasting Services: Already enjoy Flaviar’s quarterly tasting boxes or similar services and want deeper educational context
• Bar/Restaurant Professionals: Servers, bartenders, or hospitality workers wanting whiskey knowledge to better serve customers and make recommendations
• Social Learners: Those who join online communities - Flaviar’s Black Membership includes forums to discuss tastings with fellow students

Who Should Skip This

• Advanced Whiskey Experts: If you already attend whiskey festivals, follow distillery releases closely, and can blind-taste differences between distilleries, Class 1 may feel too introductory
• Budget-Conscious or Value-Focused: At $98 for 9 samples (450ml total whiskey, roughly one 375ml bottle equivalent), you’re paying $98 for education + samples that retail for maybe $40-60 - value comes from learning, not whiskey quantity
• Instant Gratification Seekers: Requires 3-12 weeks of engagement to complete - if you want quick knowledge dumps, YouTube whiskey channels provide faster (free) surface-level content
• Non-Whiskey Drinkers: Class 1 is laser-focused on American whiskey - no vodka, gin, rum, or even Scotch. If whiskey doesn’t interest you, money is wasted
• Presentation Perfectionists: Some reviews note packaging could be more premium for the price point - if unboxing aesthetics matter greatly, you may be underwhelmed
• People Seeking Accredited Certification: Flaviar certificate holds no official industry accreditation like WSET or Cicerone - it’s for personal enrichment and casual credentialing, not professional advancement
• Those Wanting Specific Whiskeys: You don’t choose the 9 samples - Flaviar selects representative American whiskeys. If you want to taste specific bottles, buying them individually gives more control
• Commitment-Averse: One-time payment of $98-228 feels significant compared to $20-30 monthly subscriptions you can cancel anytime - this is an upfront investment
• Students Under 21 (US): Must be of legal drinking age, which varies by country (21 in US, 18 in many others)