Sydney will soon be home to the global headquarters of hospitality and spirits education, with the launch of the International Spirits Academy (ISA) in August 2025.
The ISA will offer a four-tiered certification program, with the highest qualification, Master of Eau de Vie – set to become a hallmark of professional achievement across the hospitality and spirits industries.
Judith Kennedy, Founder and Chair of the ISA, said the academy was born out of decades of work in wine, spirits, and hospitality. “Our vision with the International Spirits Academy is to provide a rigorous, independent path to mastery – giving students the knowledge, tasting expertise, and service excellence needed to lead the next generation of hospitality experiences,” said Kennedy.
The program will offer lectures, tastings, and examinations, with stages ranging from introductory to mastery level, and will be led by industry legends including Bill Lark, Charles Casben, Dr Sarah Fletcher, Ned Goodwin MW, Huon Hooke, and Mikey Enright.
The program has been designed not only for professionals working in bars, restaurants, retail, production, and hotels, but also for enthusiasts and spirit makers seeking technical knowledge of their own.
With already existing plans to expand into Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, and New York, the ISA is set to create a global standard in spirits education.
“As the global spirits industry matures, the demand for true spirits professionals will only grow,” said Kennedy.