Mezcal has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity worldwide, outpacing all other spirits categories. Are you among the thousands who appreciate the incredible diversity and complexity of this unique Mexican spirit? With the Master Mezcalier program you can become an steward of knowledge; educating and informing others about this wonderful category and becoming a leader in the mezcal world.
The Master Mezcalier program was developed and created by the Competency Management Committee “El servicio del Mezcal” and led by the Pro-Culture Mezcal Association A.C. This certification is endorsed by SEP (Secretariat of Public Education in Mexico), through CONOCER, as well as the Conservatory of Mexican Gastronomic Culture A.C. and COMANDO.
The certification was created in 2009 to set and maintain high educational standards for mezcal professionals, providing credentials comparable to those in other spirit industries. Prior to the creation of Master Mezcalier, there had been no internationally recognized education and certification program dedicated to the wide category of mezcal; a category of spirits with a high level of complexity and variety of terroir.
This certification currently consists of 4 levels, the first 3 of which are currently being offered in-person and in English, in the historical city of New Orleans. New Orleans is the city where the craft cocktail was born, and you will find many establishments honoring the history of spirits such as whiskey, gin, and mezcal. Level IV is currently offered in Oaxaca, Mexico in Spanish, with English classes soon to be announced.
Level 1 – EC623 Intro to Mezcal and Agave Spirits, now enrolling for February 16-17 2025 and April 2025 TBD in New Orleans, Louisiana
Level II – Mezcal Mixology – April 2025 TBD
Level III – Gastronomy and Mezcal – April 2025 TBD
Level IV – On site Mezcal fabrication in Oaxaca, Mexico – Classes in English TBA
Introduction to Agave Spirits
Mezcal Mixology
Gastronomy and mezcal
On site in Oaxaca
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To obtain the title of Master Mezcalier, you must complete Mezcalier Level I through IV. Level I designates you as a certified Mezcalier, while Level II, and III give you the required elective credits to register for Level IV. Upon completion of the week-long Level IV class, you will obtain the Master Mezcalier certification.
A variety of reputable certifications attest to competence in wine, spirits, and specialty food products. Until 2009, no similarly rigorous certification for Mezcal had been offered by a global organization and certified by a government institution. Those with Master Mezcalier training are industry leaders and lifelong learners who share their knowledge about agave spirits.
Mezcal is a fascinating category of spirits with incredible levels of nuance. Much of the knowledge surrounding the production of Agave spirits is shrouded in mystery, and changes vastly between different fabricators and regions. As a Master Mezcalier, you are taking on the role of a lifelong student and dedicating yourself to a spirit category which is ever changing.
For each level, there are a predetermined number of days of in-person classes followed by an exam, which must be passed to gain credit. If the exam is failed, it can be retaken for a small fee.
Level I provides a foundational understanding of Mezcal which is accessible to individuals without significant prior experience. However, reading material will be recommended and it is highly advisable that one studies beforehand. Extensive experience will be advantageous and will likely facilitate a more in-depth review of the material.
Master Mezcalier is 100% independent.