Brandy and Cognac

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Estimated study time?

Individuals differ, learning styles differ, and the individual time factors and learning speeds differ so it would be hard to place a precise time so we suggest a range of between 19-25 hours of study. This includes reading through the material and completing the quizzes and the final examination. There is no time constraint nor limit, of utmost importance is you enjoy this journey of knowledge and you indulge your curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

How long do I have to complete the course?

Human beings never complete anything without a target. We may believe this to be untrue but if you were to silently contemplate yourself with unbridled honesty you would admit this is a truth, unpleasant it may be but still the truth. At APWASI we encourage you to complete this course within six months from registration. As the course recommendation is between 19-25 hours, a six-month period of completion is an exaggerated premium of time for you as we want you to do other more constructive things in life than procrastinate.

Who is it for?

Our courses are for the dedicated, determined, belief in themselves and wanting to succeed. If you have these qualities you will succeed at anything you want not only these courses.

These courses, by the nature of their content are aimed at wine professionals currently in the industry and those who are intending to join the industry, and enthusiasts. The kaleidoscope of career options is many. This would include retail, importing, exporting, distributing, and perhaps even producing. Additionally, if you are in the hospitality industry, hotel, airline, cruise ship, high-medium end restaurants, this course would give you a firm and unquestionable structure of wine and spirit knowledge to further your career. Following our 5 C’s philosophy we believe our courses are for those who treasure knowledge and have a thirst to make their mark in life.

Where can I do this?

Anywhere in the globe, on the sunny beaches of Hawaii or the secluded jungle of South America or even the salubrious atmosphere of a private club in London, literally it is anywhere you wish. Our courses are available world-wide, 365/ 24/7, in 23 different languages. All you need is an internet connection! These courses can be accessed on your mobile device, tablet or on your computer.

Why us?

We are all accustomed to choices and with choices there are set parameters that we set before making a decision. Education is not an inanimate object it is not a pair of lifestyle shoes, shirt, blouse or meal. Education is the keystone of your life and we encourage you to choose as you see fit. Our criteria suits those that are openminded, cultural adept, eager to learn on a holistic basis and not just facts and figures- regurgitating them out like an antiquated calculator with a paper roll attached. We want, we demand, our graduates to be beacons of openness, approachable and wanting to share experiences and knowledge with all within the industry. We all begin our life with the currency of youth and this applies to not only APWASI but also other organizations like us across this globe. We bring fresh beginnings with new education methods to match the new trends, embrace the plethora of learning styles and together our courses are definitive in character that are matchless in the devotion given to their creation. If you value the future as we state, “learning for the future” then we are your future.

How can I learn this without tasting?

One cannot learn to swim without water and neither do we expect you to learn without tasting . We have at the end of each course a selection of wines we recommend you to try using the skills you have acquired on the wine essentials course we offer. Through this method you can increase your practical wine tasting skills. Our courses allow you to evaluate the wines by understanding the “why” and “the how”.

I don’t know how to taste.

The ability to taste wine is universal. The methodology to understanding wine and appreciating wine is not universal and that needs to be understood through concept, tasting and recording. This we achieve by having you take the wine essentials course we have as a prerequisite to any courses you select. Within this course lie the secrets to identifying, nosing and tasting wines and finally evaluate wines. It’s our pleasure to join you on this journey of adventure and bountiful knowledge. After taking this course you will learn and be able to taste wine with comfort.

Final Exam Information

For information on final exam procedures, please visit this link.

Dr. Clinton LeeDr. Clinton Lee has attained the highest qualification from the Wine Spirit and Education Trust based in London, the WSET Diploma and the Certified International Educator. He has over 80 million views globally on TikTok and Instagram about his wine and etiquette lessons.

He is an international wine lecturer, writer and critc. He has taught WSET programs and other wine courses both in Canada and internationally in China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan Argentina, France, Hungary and Italy.

Course Feedback Form

Lessons

1.0 Introduction

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

IntroductionIntroduction Introduction All Cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is Cognac. Confusing? Don't worry! Brandy made in the region of Cognac in France, is simply given the name "Cognac," so long it follows the requirements. All these little questions will be further explained in our course. The word brandy is derived from the Dutch [...]

2.0 Brief History on Distillation

Length: 30 minutesAuthor: Dr. Clinton LeeComplexity: Standard

Brief History on DistillationBrief History on Distillation 2000 BC The art of distillation was possibly established in ancient Mesopotamia (the modern era covers parts of Iraq and Syria), often used to produce aromatics and perfumes 100 AD The first written record of distillation is from around 100 AD Alexander of Aphrodisia, an ancient Greek philosopher, [...]

3.0 History of Brandy

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

History of BrandySuggested VideoHistory of Brandy History of Brandy Brandy was first being distilled in France around 1313, but only as a medicine, as it was considered to have powerful healing properties and sanitary powers. Known by doctors as "l'eau de vie", meaning the water of life Brandy is made from grapes, apples, blackberries, apricots, [...]

4.0 Geography

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

CognacArmagnacOther CountriesSuggested VideoCognac Geography Brandy is produced and enjoyed in many countries! However, we will be covering the major power houses of brandy below. France Cognac Cognac is situated in southwestern France's Charente department The Charente River makes its way through the town of Cognac and proceeds to the Atlantic Coast Over millions of years, [...]

5.0 Climate/Soil

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Climate/SoilSuggested VideosClimate/Soil Climate Climate in Cognac The Cognac Delimited Region is situated along the Atlantic Ocean, in the north of the Aquitaine basin The region stretches west to the Gironde estuary and the Ré and Oléron islands, and east to Angoulême and the Massif Central foothills The landscape comprises small, rolling hills and plains The [...]

6.0 Styles of Brandy

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Why distil?Brandy: Charentais distillation methodArmagnacMass produced BrandyFruit BrandyCognacs Around the WorldHow brandy from pomace is madeHow Cognac and brandy from grape wine is madeHow Fruit brandy is madeStillsWhy distil? Styles of Brandy Why distil? By extracting and filtering out the best volatile compounds from the wine through distillation, aromas become concentrated Alcohol is produced when [...]

7.0 Grapes

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

GrapesSuggested VideoGrapes Grapes Ugni-Blanc Highly-acidic and low-alcohol wines are produced from Ugni Blanc, making it ideal for distillation Ugni Blanc produces high-quality brandy and adds body and weight Low levels of sugar translate into low levels of alcohol in base wines, enabling them to be distilled longer before achieving their expected alcoholic intensity The more [...]

8.0A – Wine Tasting Equipment and Tasting List

Length: 30 minutesAuthor: Dr. Clinton LeeComplexity: Standard

IntroductionBrandy and Cognac Tasting EquipmentAPWASI Brandy and Cognac Tasting MethodologyBrandy and Cognac Tasting ListIntroduction Congratulations on your decision to learn even more about different cultures and people through your studies with APWASI BRANDY AND COGNAC Before we begin, we will need some important equipment which I suggest, if possible, you should acquire. They will be [...]

9.0 Cuisine/Pairings

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Cuisine/PairingsSuggested VideoCuisine/Pairings Cuisine/Pairings Cognac is most often enjoyed mixed with water, on the rocks, in long drinks or as cocktails. Cheese When paired with a strong cheese, a smooth brandy is wonderful as the cheese enhances the brandy's floral flavours. Chocolate Rich desserts, such as ice cream and chocolate mousse, pair well with brandy's lack [...]

10.0 Culture/Etiquette

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Culture/EtiquetteSuggested VideoCulture/Etiquette Culture/Etiquette By choosing a glass that helps the brandy convey its complete character, it can generate a truly rich tasting experience. A tulip glass, which has been studied and advised by experts, is the preferred choice of glass. The advantage of this type of glass is that it preserves the aromas and reveals [...]

11.0 Future

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

FutureSuggested VideoFuture Future India is the largest consumer market in sales volume, with around 96.9% consumed in South India. The Philippines is the second largest consumption market, followed by Russia, the United States, and Germany China has exceeded America in sales revenue, becoming the largest market (USD 3,944.0 4 million), followed by the US, Russia, [...]

12.0 Summary

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

SummarySummary Summary Brandy is a spirit that comes from the distillation of wine. Brandy contains 35% to 60% ABV and is typically enjoyed after a meal Many brandies are aged in wooden casks, some are coloured with caramel to mimic the effect of ageing, and others are made using both ageing and colouring combinations Brandy [...]

13.0 Course Feedback

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Course Feedback Did you enjoy the content of the APWASI preview course? * YesNo 1. How would you rate the quality of this course? PoorAcceptableGoodVery GoodExcellentN/A 2. How did you find the course length & detail? ShortJust RightToo LongN/A 3. Were the course questions easy? EasyJust RightHardVery HardN/A 4. Would you recommend this course? YesNoN/A [...]

14.0 Final Exam

Author: Dr. Clinton Lee

Congratulations on your wonderful achievement of completing the course. The next step is to successfully pass the Final Examination. This examination is timed and there are 100 multiple choice questions with 65% being the pass mark. We strongly urge you, encourage you to study hard before you attempt to take the examination. Ensure you know […]