Sip Smarter. Serve Better. Stand Out.
BOURBON STEWARD CERTIFICATION
Become a Certified Bourbon Steward
If you love bourbon—or work with it—it’s time to turn that passion into real expertise. The Associate Bourbon Steward Certification, offered in partnership with the Stave & Thief Society, is the only bourbon certification officially recognized by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
And yes—we’re certified to teach it.
At McKarl’s Libations and Cuisine, all of our team members are Associate Bourbon Stewards. Now we’re bringing that same high-level spirits education to you—whether you’re a hospitality professional, brand rep, enthusiast, or event host looking to go deeper.
What You’ll Learn
This course is much more than a tasting. It’s a full, immersive journey into the world of America’s native spirit.
Your training includes:
The history and heritage of bourbon
Laws and labeling requirements
Bourbon production from grain to barrel
Sensory training (nose, palate, finish)
Cocktail creation and food pairing fundamentals
Certified exam with official recognition
Your Stave & Thief pin and printed credentials
Who Should Take This?
These aren’t just ideas—we live them at every event:
- Bartenders and beverage managers looking to upskill and impress
- Brand ambassadors and sales reps who need deeper product knowledge
- Event hosts and connoisseurs wanting to lead tastings at home
- Distillers, and Marketers looking for credentialed credibility
- Anyone who loves bourbon and wants to know the why behind the wow
Whether you’re sipping solo or leading events, certification gives you the confidence to talk bourbon fluently—and serve it with purpose.
Our Core Services
we offer a service tier that matches your vision, guest count, and budget:
Open Group Certification
Private Sessions
Event-Based Certification
Add a bourbon certification workshop to your festival, retreat, or conference. We bring the course to you.
- Available across Florida
- Class duration: 2–4 hours
What You’ll Walk Away With
- Bourbon Steward Certification (recognized by Stave & Thief Society)
- Official lapel pin and online certificate
- A deeper understanding of spirits and service
- The ability to lead tastings with confidence
- Serious bragging rights
Why Learn From Us?
- Are certified Executive Bourbon Stewards
- Have conducted hundreds of tastings and activations
- Know how to make education entertaining, accessible, and actionable
- Deliver content tailored to hospitality, marketing, and consumer needs
Ready to Get Certified?
- Attending a group class
- Hosting a private or team session
- Adding bourbon education to your next event
