There's much to learn, so keep your spiritsĀ up.

Master the art of tasting spirits.


This is where you, as a bourbon enthusiast, can expand your horizons through study and testing and then go forth to help educate the world about the wonders of bourbon. On your journey, you can show-off your tasting skills, wield your challenge coins, and use your sensory kit to hone your ability to identify subtle aromas.

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Start subtle. Finish strong.

Get started with our basic self-guided certification or jump in an Executive program.

The first of ourĀ kind.


Stave & Thief Society was founded in 2014, and is the first bourbon certification program recognized by the bourbon industry and the only to be recognized by the Kentucky Distillers Association as its "Official Bourbon Education Course." The programs were developed by professional distilling and spirits educators and advised by a panel of experts in the bourbon and hospitality industries to provide a premium, standardized bourbon education that is accessible and holds real value.

KDA

Online Certification

Member Directory

In-Person Certification