The Bourbon Capital Alliance has announced the launch of the Bourbon Capital Diplomat Certification Experience, a new educational program designed to expand bourbon knowledge and strengthen hospitality experiences in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Open to both industry professionals and enthusiasts, the program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the city’s bourbon heritage and the distilleries that have helped establish Bardstown as the Bourbon Capital of the World®.
New Bourbon Education Program Highlights Bardstown’s Distilling Heritage
Created primarily for hospitality industry professionals, the Bourbon Capital Diplomat Certification Experience offers a comprehensive look at Bardstown’s history and the ten member distilleries that comprise the Bourbon Capital Alliance. Those partners include Limestone Branch Distillery, Potter Jane Distilling Company, Log Still Distillery, Heaven Hill Distillery, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Preservation Distillery, Old SteelHouse Distillery, Lux Row Distillers, Maker’s Mark Distillery, and Barton 1792 Distillery.
“When guests come to the Bourbon Capital of the World, they expect a certain level of hospitality and bourbon knowledge,” said Sam Lacy, Executive Director of the Bourbon Capital Alliance. “The Bourbon Capital Alliance is excited to begin building the bourbon knowledge of our hospitality team members, further enhancing the experience for our guests from far and wide.”
Bourbon Capital Academy to Host Certification Classes
The program will be hosted in the Bourbon Capital Academy classroom located in the Brindiamo Penthouse on the third floor of historic Spalding Hall in downtown Bardstown. The curriculum was developed in collaboration with the Alliance’s partner distilleries and local stakeholders and is designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of bourbon production, Bardstown history, and the brands that have shaped the destination’s reputation.
“We have been quite intentional throughout the process of building the Diplomat program, gathering input from our ten partner distilleries and local stakeholders,” Lacy said. “The key to the sustainability of the Diplomat program is ongoing education. Distillery experiences and core brands change, so it’s imperative that we keep our certified Diplomats engaged and up to date on current distillery happenings through biannual Bourbon Capital Diplomat Summits and other efforts.”
Guided Tastings and Continuing Education Opportunities
Participants in the program will receive the proprietary educational curriculum, a take-home Diplomat Handbook, and four guided bourbon tastings featuring selections from Bourbon Capital Alliance partner distilleries. After successfully completing a 50-question certification exam, graduates will earn the title of Certified Bourbon Capital Diplomat and gain access to exclusive benefits and future educational opportunities.
The Alliance also plans to host biannual Bourbon Capital Diplomat Summits, providing certified participants with updates on new products, distillery experiences, and developments within the bourbon industry.
Program Opens to Consumers and Hospitality Professionals July 6
Although the program was developed with hospitality workers in mind, the Bourbon Capital Alliance is encouraging bourbon enthusiasts and visitors to participate as well.
“While we have built this program for hospitality industry employees, we absolutely invite general consumers to book the experience,” said Lacy. “This program will grow over time and we’re very excited for its potential, not only locally but well beyond.”
The Bourbon Capital Diplomat Certification Experience officially launches on July 6, with additional class dates expected to be added in the future. Reservations and additional information are available through the Bourbon Capital Academy website.
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