Master of Scotch Exams - I'LL BE Backl

[@samaf2198]

Erik, you stay true to yourself every time! 90/100 for integrity and 100/100 for inspiration. Thank you

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Always!

[@pepebruno1672]

“Docendo discimus” Seneca You have been a great teacher to many of us. Chin up. You will get through this the next time around. We can’t fight nature, only adapt.

[@sierrastriker77]

Big kudos for trying this and sharing openly with us! Also props for taking the hard road to really earn your stripes Erik, it's so rare to find organizations and individuals committed to true mastery anymore.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I've been doing a lot of analysis to figure out where I went wrong and how I can advise others on how to better prepare for the exams. For the Certified Sommelier exams (2014) I studied with 3 Master Sommeliers for 18 weeks so I was well informed as to what the testing would be like (Blind tasting, Written Theory and Practical exam) whereas for the Council of Whisky Master's Master of Scotch exam I was on my own to figure it out. If/when I pass this exam I think I'll be welll equipped to help other people take the exam. By the way, one of the Master Sommeliers I studied with for 18 weeks was Ian Cauble, who in the documentary "SOMM" did not pass the blind tasting exam but later re-took and passed it. You can watch the documentary here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3fGpIqvppeEhZo

[@derekb8925]

Thank you for sharing, I was pulling for you. You’ll get it. Love your videos, watching them as I plan a trip to Islay this fall.

[@CA_Scotty]

It has been a pleasure to watch you through all your preparation. I have learned a tremendous amount from all of your KZbin posts. I have nervous for you, as I know that you have been preparing for years. So sorry about the end result, I am glad that you will try again because you have an amazing gift. I hope to see your streams and posts again soon.

[@womenofwhiskeys]

We leave in a couple days to Edinburgh. Thanks for sharing your experience so far

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Have fun in Edinburgh. It’s been raining off and on so be prepared!

[@budj13]

You should be proud of your progress and your courage to even attempt to become a master. I agree that if it was too easy it would not mean as much. A master should have elite skill and knowledge and you will when you pass next time. It sounds like an amazing trip as well. I cheering for you!

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Thank you so much!

[@fraserthistle4200]

The blind sounds incredibly tough especially in the short period of time . I’m sure the experience will stand you in good stead. All the best for the rest of your trip.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

As I rethink it I see 4 components to it: 1. The blind tasting like any other blind tasting 2. The large quantity of whiskies 8) 3. The extremely short period of time you have thus the speed so it’s not a normal pace 4. Having to type everything in a spreadsheet. Whisky blind tasting like this is far more difficult than the WSET spirit tests. But I am in it for the challenge.

[@FerNightwalker]

Hi Erik, I hope that in the rest of the trip things get less complicated logistically. I agree with you, any prize, objective or recognition only has real value if it was really high exigency, if it is too much easy or you cheat only you deceive yourself.. Cheers!! 🥃

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Me too! I’m looking forward to spending a day working at Ballindalloch Distillery next Thursday!

[@WhiskeyFancies]

Looking forward to your Raasay videos. Cheers!

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Coming soon!

[@henryDzieciontko]

Welcome Eric! 🥃🤝🥃

[@warrenhurley4148]

Erik, I'm wondering why the "Master of Scotch" credential is important to you? Can you please discuss?

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Why is Mt. Everrest important to a mountain climber? The Court of Master Sommeliers and Institute of Masters of Wine is the ultimate testing organizations for wine professionals. I’m a Certified Sommelier and was pursuing a course to become a Master of Wine when I discovered whisky while pursuing a 2 year diploma with the Wine & Spirit Educational Trust (WSET). At the time there was no Council of Whisky Masters. I’m an academian by nature. But it’s not about the degree or certification, it’s about the journey. Ultimately it’s also about the people you meet in these organizations and the experiences you have along the way.

[@vashlow]

Proud of your pursuit spirit 👏🏻 keep going ! Blind tasting consists of how many drams?

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

8 drams in 30 minutes... while suffering from spring allergies.

[@petevj]

If you would do it even without the qualification then it's worth doing, the purpose of a course is the structured acquisition of knowledge not a certificate to sit in the drawer. However once a personal goal is set it is important to achieve it, which I'm sure you will.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

ACTUALLY the certificate will be put in a solid gold frame and put on the wall above the toilet.

[@michaelgonzalez347]

Too bad on the results. You invested a lot of time preparing. Like you said, now you know what to focus on and the advice they provided to help pass next time. Another good reason to go back, lol. Looking forward to seeing the bottles you purchased. Enjoy the rest of the trip. Cheers

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

That's the plan!

[@Koby616]

Gl with your exam 😊

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Sounds like a tough ass exam. Will feel even better when you pass next time.

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Me too! I may be able to retake the blind tasting later this year without having to return to Scotland.

[@ricoardanaz1958]

Stay the course and next time you’ll knock it out of the park 👍

[@sidberns1373]

Speed blind sounds mega hard

[@francisoconnor2392]

Any idea how many Scotch whisky masters in the US ?

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Nope, I think this is only the third year. I’d guess about a dozen total.

[@rayd.295]

Sounds like a fun trip. Ha

[@biged3408]

You will be back…