#Japan #Shibuya #Whisky Culture #Whisky Certification #Whisky Study Guide

Exciting New Releases from the Whisky Culture Research Institute

The Whisky Culture Research Institute, located in Shibuya, Tokyo, has launched new official study guides to enhance the experience of whisky enthusiasts preparing for the Whisky Certification Exams. This new series includes "Whisky Certification Official Study Guide Level 3 Vol. 4" and "Whisky Certification Official Study Guide Level 2 Vol. 4," designed to better prepare candidates for the upcoming exams.

About the New Study Guides

These guides comprehensively cover the exam questions from three sets of the Whisky Certification examination scheduled from September 2024 to September 2025. Specifically, they include questions from the 19th exam held in September 2024, the 20th exam in February 2025, and the 21st exam in September 2025, alongside detailed answers. With a price of 1,100 yen each, these A4-sized books are an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of whisky.

Purchasing is straightforward, with availability through the Whisky Culture Research Institute's online shop (https://www.scotchclub-shop.org/) and Amazon. These resources aim to assist not just whisky enthusiasts honing their knowledge, but also professionals in the beverage industry seeking to reinforce their understanding.

What is the Whisky Certification?

Launched in 2014, the Whisky Certification is designed to deepen the understanding of whisky, encompassing aspects such as production methods, history, culture, and various interesting facts about whisky. Since its inception, the certification has seen an impressive enrollment of approximately 34,000 participants by the 21st exam.

Inquiries about whisky's ingredients or etymology, as well as the regions contributing to the rich culture of Scotch whisky production, are just a few examples of what candidates can expect. This certification not only serves those with a personal interest in whisky but is also praised by those working in alcoholic beverage industries for its systematic approach to learning and the ability to confirm knowledge.

The exam format used is a multiple-choice sheet, making it accessible even to those who are new to whisky. A portion of the higher tiers may also include descriptive questions to challenge the more knowledgeable candidates.

Upcoming Exam Details

Looking ahead, the next Whisky Certification will take place as follows:

• - Levels Available: Level 3, Level 2, and Irish Whiskey (IW) levels.
• - Exam Period: February 13 (Friday) to February 24 (Tuesday), 2026.
• - Fees: Level 3 costs 4,400 yen, Level 2 and IW levels cost 5,500 yen each. An enticing 10% discount is available when applying for two or more levels.
• - Application Deadline: For payments at convenience stores or bank transfers, the deadline is January 15 (Thursday), 2026, while for credit card payments, it is January 22 (Thursday), 2026.
• - Eligibility: Candidates must be 20 years and older.

Full details and application guidelines are available on the official certification site: Whisky Certification.

About the Whisky Culture Research Institute

Established in March 2001, the Whisky Culture Research Institute aims to promote the appreciation of whisky, driven by its founder, whisky critic Mamoru Tsuchiya. The institute has continuously expanded its research on both domestic and international whisky cultures, collecting information and disseminating it widely to the public.

In addition to publishing Japan’s only whisky-focused magazine, "Whisky Galore," and organizing events like whisky festivals, the institute specializes in developing initiatives to foster whisky lovers and drinkers. It oversees the Whisky Connoisseur Certification Exam and the Whisky Certification. Furthermore, the institute has recently launched the only spirits competition in Japan, the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC), which serves as a platform to evaluate whiskies and spirits from around the world.

Profile of Mamoru Tsuchiya

Mamoru Tsuchiya was born in 1954 in Sado, Niigata. After graduating from Gakushuin University, he worked as a magazine journalist before moving to the UK in 1987. There, he encountered single malt Scotch for the first time and became fascinated by it. Upon returning to Japan, he established a career as a whisky critic and is renowned for being one of the world's top five whisky writers, a distinction given to him by Highland Distillers in 1998. Tsuchiya served as a whisky consultant for the NHK morning drama “Massan” aired from September 2014 to March 2015. He has authored several notable books and serves as the editor-in-chief of “Whisky Galore,” as well as holding leading positions in various whisky-related organizations.

Whether you're a seasoned whisky explorer or a novice looking to grasp your first taste of whisky culture, the resources offered by the Whisky Culture Research Institute stand as a gateway to a deeper understanding and enjoyment of this timeless spirit.