Become a Certified Cognac Ambassador

✓ Module 1 – Place, history and crus: the Charente, from brandewijn to the great houses, and the six crus ✓ Module 2 – Vine to eau-de-vie: Ugni Blanc and the 2026 grape list, the base wine, the alambic charentais and the 73.7% rule ✓ Module 3 – Oak, time and blending: casks, cellars, rancio, the paradis, the cellar master and permitted additions ✓ Module 4 – Categories and labels: the comptes, VS 2 · VSOP 4 · Napoléon 6 · XO 10 · XXO 14, and reading any label ✓ Module 5 – Sensory mastery: the AWS Ambassador Tasting Grid, BLIC quality, benchmarks and the water test ✓ Module 6 – Service, pairing and selling: serves, the Cognac & tonic and Sidecar, food pairing, guest recommendations and a smart Cognac list

Bartenders, sommeliers, servers and supervisors; bar, beverage and F&B managers; retail staff; hotel, cruise and private-club teams; and curious enthusiasts who want to understand Cognac properly. No prerequisite. You must be of legal drinking age where you live to take part in the tastings. Liquid Lively Fun – One Glass at a Time. Prefer a classroom? The Certified Cognac Ambassador™ is also taught in person as an 8-hour class with 12 Cognacs (US$295), for individuals and for hotel, restaurant and bar teams. Ask at [email protected].

How long does it take? About 8 hours in total. Study at your own pace, on any device, and pause whenever you like. You have 6 months' access from enrolment. Do I need any experience? No. There's no prerequisite. The course starts from the basics and builds quickly. How does the exam work? The final exam has 30 multiple-choice questions covering all six modules. Allow about 40 minutes. You need 70% (21 correct answers) to pass. Each module also has a five-question practice knowledge check. What if I don't pass the first time? You get one free retake: two attempts in total. Do I need to buy Cognac? Tasting along makes everything easier to remember, but you can complete the course without tasting. The suggested tasting list starts with just three bottles: a VS, a VSOP and an XO from the same house (small 20 cl or 35 cl bottles are fine). Pours are small, 10–15 ml, and spitting is encouraged. Do I get a certificate? Yes. Pass the final exam to receive your Certified Cognac Ambassador™ certificate from the Academy of Wine & Spirits, signed by Christian Esser, Director of Education. The course is CPD-accredited through the UK CPD Certification Service. Is this a BNIC certificate? No. It is an Academy of Wine & Spirits certificate. Your instructor is an official BNIC Cognac Educator. Is there an age requirement? Yes. You must be of legal drinking age where you live to take part in the tastings. Please taste responsibly. Can I take it in person, or train my whole team? Yes. The in-person class is 8 hours with 12 Cognacs, US$295. Email [email protected] or call +1 (345) 938 0458. What's next? Certified Armagnac Ambassador™, then AWS Level 3 in Spirits – Certified Spirits Educator™.